Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Management Plan 2012 2017

Vernal Pools Conservation Zone

Management Plan 2012‐2017

2012

i Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Parafield Airport Management Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

Glossary buffer minimum area around

each pool required for pool to function

catchment the area which feeds surface water into a wetland or watercourse

conservation significance a taxon with status of extinct, endangered, vulnerable or rare

duripan a hard, water holding subsurface soil horizon

described formal, scientific, taxonomic description of a species

endangered a taxon in serious risk of disappearing in the wild within 10‐20 years

endemic native to the particular region of the study

exotic not native to Australia

extinct a taxon not collected or verified in the past fifty years

grassland the Austrodanthonia/ Austrostipa grassland connecting the vernal pools

hydroperiod the time that a wetland or pool retains free water

indigenous native to Australia

provenance seed seed from the local population

rare a taxon which is rare within Australia but not facing any identifiable threat

taxon a taxonomic group of plants (usually species but not necessarily)

undescribed Not described; not previously known to science

upland all land at around the pools that avoid inundation due to soil or elevation

vernal occurring in spring time

vernal pool specialist plants grow almost entirely in vernal pools

vernal pool species plants with a preference for growing in vernal pools or similar habitats

vulnerable a taxon not presently endangered but at risk over 20‐50 years

weed a plant out of place (may apply to indigenous and endemic plants as well as exotics)

i Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Parafield Airport Management Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

Table of Contents

1 Overview ...................................................... 1

2 Location........................................................ 2

3 Features ........................................................ 3

4 Legislation and Policy .................................... 3

5 Vision ........................................................... 4

6 Guiding Principles .......................................... 5

7 Natural Heritage ............................................ 5

7.1 Pre‐European Landscape ........................... 5

7.2 Climate ...................................................... 5

7.3 Geology and Soils ..................................... 6

7.4 Landform ................................................. 6

7.5 Hydrology ................................................. 8

7.6 Native Vegetation .................................... 9

7.7 Native Fauna ............................................ 9

7.7.1 Invertebrates ................................. 9

7.7.2 Birds ............................................. 11

7.7.3 Reptiles and Amphibians .............. 11

8 Cultural Heritage ......................................... 12

8.1 Indigenous Heritage ................................ 12

8.2 Non‐Indigenous Heritage ........................ 12

9 Managing Natural Heritage .......................... 12

9.1 Wetland Habitat ...................................... 12

9.2 Geology, Soils and Landform ................... 12

9.3 Water Quality .......................................... 13

9.4 Native Flora and Fauna ............................ 13

9.5 Introduced Plants .................................... 14

9.6 Introduced Animals ................................. 15

10 Managing Fire ............................................. 15

11 Managing Cultural Heritage .......................... 16

12 Involving the Community ............................. 16

13 Managing Visitor Use ................................... 17

14 Managing Reserve Tenure ............................ 17

15 Monitoring Program .................................... 18

16 References and Bibliography ........................ 19

Appendix 1–Flora List........................................ 20

Appendix 2 ‐ Fauna List ..................................... 22

Appendix 3 – VPCZ Monitoring Program ............. 24

Appendix 4 ‐ Monitoring Procedures ................... 28

Appendix 5 ‐ Summary of Management Actions .. 35

1 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Parafield Airport Management Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

1 Overview

Parafield Airport hosts the last known array of vernal pools within metropolitan Adelaide. An unusual representation of a habitat once more common across the Northern Adelaide Plains, most in the region have been lost due to agricultural practices and recreational and urban development. The site now hosting the vernal pools was used for farming, grazing, and later a golf driving range (Coleman and Cook, 2002). Discovered during a flora survey in 2001 in preparation for the construction of Elder Smith Road (Hagan, 2001), the pools as a habitat were found to have high wetland values, hosting flora significant to both the region and the state and uncommon aquatic fauna and meeting at least one important wetland criterion listed by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) (Seaman, 2002).

In 2002, each of the pools and hollows over the Cross Keys and Bennett Precincts were given a rapid biodiversity rating to determine options for mitigation of the impacts of the proposed roadworks (Coleman and Cook, 2002a). This provided a useful system for ranking the pools from best to worst condition in order to determine which pools should be part of the mitigation and monitoring program.

The roadworks undertaken in 2007 impacted three of eleven pools. To meet with Parafield Airport Limited’s (PAL) legislative requirement to preserve biodiversity under the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997 (the Regulations), habitat loss was offset with remedial works in existing pools on the site and the experimental construction of a new pool. This is the first vernal pool to be anthropogenically constructed in South Australia.

In agreement with the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DoIT), PAL has committed to an ongoing monitoring program to assess the progress of the mitigation measures undertaken. The monitoring program had two aims:

To assess the viability of vernal pool construction as an option for offset by comparing the experimental ‘constructed’ pool against other good quality naturally occurring ‘reference’ pools; and

To measure the success of remedial works by comparing ‘remediated’ pools against ‘control’ pools that were not remediated.

After 5 years of monitoring, the results indicate the following:

The constructed pool may take another 20 years before it simulates the reference pools and cannot yet be considered successful offset;

Remedial works undertaken in pool 10 had a positive effect on the health of that pool;

Remedial works undertaken in pool 4 were unsuccessful, as this pool is actually the only piospheric ‘wallow’ around a drinking trough for livestock identified on the site, and does not provide the necessary conditions to support vernal pool species;

The vernal pools host a number of locally uncommon and potentially undescribed invertebrate species; and

The rapid biodiversity assessment undertaken in the summer of 2002 did not capture the full wetland values of the vernal pools and a modified version should be undertaken annually to provide a condition assessment that highlights whether the actions outlined in this plan are succeeding in protecting the vernal pool habitats.

The constructed pool must achieve the same biodiversity and water quality of the reference pools before it can be considered successful offset for the impacts caused by the construction of Elder Smith Rd. As such, monitoring of this pool must continue and the results of the monitoring program annually submitted to the DoIT.

To protect these offsets and to prevent further habitat loss, the remaining pools are situated within the Vernal Pools Conservation Zone (VPCZ) (Figure 1). In recognition of the natural heritage values of the VPCZ, PAL has in its Sustainability Plan (Airport Environment Strategy) (PAL, 2009) committed to further remediation and rehabilitation of this unusual habitat by developing and implementing VPCZ Management Plan and supporting VPCZ Revegetation Plan. In response to the results of the first five years of monitoring, and to report against the goals and objectives set out in the Sustainability Plan, and subsequently this Management Plan, the monitoring program has been adjusted to capture the appropriate data. This is addressed in the Appendices.

Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Parafield Airport Management Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport 2

Pool 4 formed around a former livestock drinking trough and bears some resemblance to some of the natural hollows located at the site, but it lacks the diagnostic characteristics – including soil profile, capacity to hold water, species diversity and specific species – of the other pools. After five years of monitoring, it is evident that this ‘wallow’ cannot be considered a pool or hollow, and will no longer be monitored in the program.

2 Location

Parafield Airport is situated on Commonwealth land, located in the St Vincent subregion of the Northern and Yorke Region and occurs within the ‘metropolitan area’ of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management (AMLR NRM) Board’s boundary. It is situated within the Northern Adelaide and Barossa Catchment. The Parafield Vernal Pools are scattered across the southern‐most corner of Parafield Airport (Figure 2).

Figure 1‐ Vernal Pools Conservation Zone

Figure 2 ‐ Location of Vernal Pools


3 Features

Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) regions are a landscape‐based classification of the land surface into 85 bioregions Australia‐wide. Each bioregion represents a set of environmental influences that define the flora and fauna associations present. Parafield Airport is situated within the Eyre Yorke Block IBRA Region. The Eyre Yorke Block is characterized by Proterozoic sandstones overlain by undulating to occasionally hilly calcarenite and calcrete plains and areas of aeolian quartz sands, with mallee woodlands, shrublands and heaths on calcareous earths, duplex soils and calcareous to shallow sands (Environment Australia, 2000). The area is now largely developed and considered to be ‘metropolitan Adelaide’.

The dense underlying soils at this site have resulted in a range of vernal pools and pool‐like structures (hollows) that have biodiversity values varying from poor to excellent when compared to one another (Coleman and Cook, 2002a). Vernal pools are a type of ephemeral wetland appearing in the wet season, typically late winter and early spring. The water is held in the pools by a duripan – a subsurface rock‐like layer of soil caused by an accumulation of cementing minerals. This enables the pools to retain water much longer than the surrounding soils. The pools are shallow enough to dry up seasonally, and vernal pools commonly fill and dry several times during the wet season.

These conditions create a specific habitat, often supporting flora and fauna with specialist adaptations, and accordingly, are of high endemicity (Hamer and Brendonck, 1997; Petrov and Petrov, 1997; Ulrich, 2005). Some plants of conservation significance have been recorded on the site, both in the pools themselves and the grasslands between them. To date there have been a number of unusual and poorly recorded invertebrate fauna found in the pools, including Shield Shrimp (Lepidurus apus viridis) and Clam Shrimp (Lynceus sp.). Some of the more unusual birds sighted include the White‐winged Fairy Wren (Malarus leucopterus) and the Stubble Quail (Corturnix pectoralis).

Vernal pools are now so poorly represented in the region, the Wetland Inventory of the Mount Lofty Ranges identifies the Parafield Wetlands as a rare example of a habitat once more common across the Adelaide Plains that is now subject to a number of threatening processes, including development and adjacent land use, recommending them for further monitoring (Seaman, 2002).

4 Legislation and Policy

Operating as an aerodrome on Commonwealth land, PAL is regulated by the Airports Act 1996 (the Act), the Regulations and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Regulations state that in carrying out work at an airport, there should be no adverse consequences for the local biota, ecosystems and habitats of native species.

The VPCZ has been specified in the 2009 Sustainability Plan as a site of environmental significance under the Regulations, and as such, AAL must address any relevant recommendation of appropriate government agencies in relation to conservation of biota or habitat. Accordingly, PAL has a requirement to preserve biodiversity in consultation with DoIT, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC).

No species of national conservation significance are known to occur on site and consequently, activity and development on the land is not affected by the EPBC Act.

Where it is not in direct contravention with Commonwealth legislation, State law applies to matters not covered by Federal law through the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970. However, as the Airport is located within metropolitan Adelaide and is Commonwealth land, neither the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 of South Australia, nor the Native Vegetation Act 1991 of South Australia apply to the site.

The site is managed through the Parafield Airport Master Plan (Draft) (PAL, 2012) (Master Plan), which includes the Parafield Airport Sustainability Plan. The Master Plan identifies the area of land containing the vernal pools as the Bennett and Cross Keys Precincts, designating a portion of them both as a conservation zone so as to offer conservation and rehabilitation opportunities of the vernal pools and sites of Aboriginal significance.


In the Master Plan, PAL commits to:

Conserve places of significant natural, indigenous and heritage value;

Enhance biodiversity, in particular within the VPCZ; and

Increase the proportion of native, endemic flora to exotic flora within the VPCZ (20% of 2007 levels by 2017) via:

- Implementation of this Management Plan;

- Development and Implementation of the Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan;

- Regular monitoring of flora and fauna in the VPCZ; and

- Continued application of biodiversity no net loss policy to the VPCZ.

The VPCZ encompasses all remaining vernal pools except for Pool 11 which is located in the Runways Precinct. Pool 11 is relatively degraded in comparison to the other pools (Coleman and Cook, 2002a). It is monitored as a control pool under the previous monitoring regime, used for benchmarking against the remediation success of other pools in the VPCZ (Coleman, 2006). Although located outside the VPCZ, the pool will continue to be protected and monitored in the same manner as the other pools. The future 03‐21R runway extension will necessitate an extension of the existing security fence, which will place this pool within the secure airside environment.

The runway extension as proposed in the Master Plan infringes marginally on the upland buffer zone surrounding Pool 11. PAL will conduct thorough environmental impact and operational safety assessments as part of the Building Activity approval process for this project, which will inform design, construction and operation of the runway extension and determine the best balance for both biodiversity and operational outcomes.

5 Vision

To protect and enhance a natural heritage area within metropolitan Adelaide to provide habitat for native species and for the education and enjoyment of the community of today and tomorrow.


6 Guiding Principles

The foremost guiding principle for management of the Parafield Vernal Pools is the precautionary principle, as defined in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration (1992):

“Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation”.

In the application of this principle, decisions should be guided by:

Careful evaluation to avoid, wherever practicable, serious or irreversible damage to the environment;

An assessment of risk‐weighted consequence of various options; and

Conservation of the pools themselves will be achieved through:

- Rehabilitation – facilitating stability and biodiversity, enabling the pools the best chance at survival by enabling them to ecologically sustain themselves by implementation of the Vernal Pools Revegetation and Management Plans; and

- Monitoring – measuring success and or condition to allow for response or adjustment of management practices.

Parafield Airport Limited recognises the biodiversity values of the vernal pools, their catchment areas, and connecting grasslands, and is committed to pursuing a policy of no net loss in regard to these habitats.

7 Natural Heritage

7.1 Pre‐European Landscape Historic records for vegetation assemblages prior to European settlement indicate that the stretch between Dry Creek to Gawler consisted of grassy plains, interspersed by riparian woodlands hugging the Little Para and Gawler Rivers. Now referred to as the Northern Adelaide Plains, these were dominated by Wallaby (Austrodanthonia spp.), Spear and Balcarra (Austrostipa spp.) grasses, which gave way to samphire shrublands to the west and Mallee Box (Eucalyptus porosa) woodlands to the east (Kraehenbeuhl, 1996).

Vernal pools similar to those at Parafield were once common in the Two Wells area and supported a dense growth of Nardoo (Marsilea spp.) and Shield Shrimp (Coleman and Cook, 2002), but most have been lost over time due to roadworks, agricultural practices and urban development.

7.2 Climate The climate on the Adelaide Plains is described as Mediterranean with cold, wet winters and hot dry summers (Figure 3). The weather station located at Parafield Airport records an annual average of 453 mm of rain occurring May to September (Figure 4).

Figure 3 – Average Temperature for Parafield Airport

Figure 4 ‐ Average Rainfall for Parafield Airport (BOM, 2011)

Daily average temperature minima and maxima(at Parafield Aiport)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

Tem

per

atu

re °

C


7.3 Geology and Soils The soil association map of Adelaide indicates the site as having Soil Association III on the eastern block of the land and Soil Association XX on the western block. These associations are in the red‐brown earth groups, comprising clay‐rich soils with blocky or granular structure with lime increasing at depth. Coleman and Cook’s (2002) soil analysis at a soil pit dug in Pool 8 is summarized in Table 1 , and is discussed in further detail in their report.

The surface soil layer lacks carbonates and clay content increases with depth until the duripan is reached (Figure 5). Duripans, being a diagnostic subsurface horizon for vernal pools, contain silica and carbonates and mark the leaching depth within the soil profile. In the Parafield Vernal Pools, the duripan was distinct from the overlying clay, indicated by a dramatic change in colour at 30‐40cm. The particle size was larger than the overlying layers, the clay content lower, and there was a strong reaction to hydrochloric acid, indicating that a high amount of carbonates are percolating down through the soil profile (Coleman and Cook, 2002).

Figure 5 ‐ Cross‐section of Surface Soil Layer

The wetting and drying of the wetlands alters the dominant soil process from oxidation to reduction seasonally. This process (called ferrolysis) causes mottling and results in the release of base cations (like calcium), metals and silicon.

The surface layers accumulate organic material, the seasonally anaerobic conditions inhibit deep root growth, and the released carbonates, clays and silica are translocated deeper, where they form the duripan.

Soil properties and processes such as ferrolysis, clay formation and translocation, duripan formation and calcium carbonate accumulation are typical of vernal pools worldwide. These factors have a strong influence on the wetland habitat. The high concentrations of aqueous manganese and iron during saturated periods may be toxic to some plants yet necessary for others (Hobson and Dahlgren, 1998), and may be responsible for the unique vegetation assemblages that occupy vernal pools. As such effects of ferrolysis and the correlated metals fluctuations may provide refuge for vernal pool specialist (VPS) plants tolerant of these conditions from invasive plants (Coleman and Cook, 2002).

7.4 Landform The site is relatively flat, with a slight slope that has a south‐westerly aspect. The area south of the Parafield Airport runways is approximately nine metres AHD while the low south‐western corner is 6.25m AHD. This fall occurs over approximately one kilometre.

Natural formation of vernal pools occurs on gilgai microreliefs. Gilgai soils are shrink‐swell clays that form a hummocky pattern across the landscape, consisting of small depressions with raised areas in between. The rainwater falling into the depressions causes clay to migrate down through the profile, dissolving carbonates as it seeps into the ground. The carbonates migrate quicker than the clay, forming the duripan.

Pool morphology is probably the most important determinant of distribution of plants within vernal pool associations. As each species prefers a specific range of water depth, small variations of the substrate surface within a pool can change the species distribution. Accordingly, some vernal pools exhibit a classic ring‐shaped distribution of plants, and other more unevenly shaped pools have ‘patchy’ distributions of plants.

A number of the pools were surveyed to determine morphology, and the profiles illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 were developed (Coleman and Eden, 2006).


Table 1 ‐ Properties of the Soil from the Basin of Vernal Pool 8 at Parafield Airport

Figure 6‐ Morphology of Parafield Vernal Pools

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

1.1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Relative elevation (m)

Distance along transect (m)

Profile of Pool 2

0.8

0.9

1

1.1

1.2

0 10 20 30 40 50 60Relative elevation (m)


Profile of Pool 4

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

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0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50



Profile of Pool 6

Depth Texture, by ribbon test

Comments Carbonate presence

Colour Fe (g/kg)

Ca (g/kg)

Mg (g/kg)

Ca/Mg ratio

Mottles pH EC (dS/m)

0‐10 cm

heavy clay, 45‐50% clay

spongy feel, blocky peds

No fizz with HCl

Grey brown 2.5Y 5/2

0.367 2.353 4.849 0.5 Grey 6.7 0.094

15‐25 cm

heavy clay, 50% clay

less loamy, resists shearing

Mild fizz with HCl

Dark brown 7.5YR 3/3

0.027 3.777 4.939 0.8 Reddish 8.6 0.083

30‐40 cm

sandy clay, 35‐40% clay

weak crumb Strong fizz with HCl

Light grey 10YR 7/2

0.005 2.935 0.712 4.1 None 10.2 0.121

40‐45 cm

very heavy clay, >50% clay

not all spongy

Medium fizz with HCl

Very dark yellowish grey 2.5Y 4/2

0.007 2.971 3.602 0.8 None 10.6 0.211


Figure 7‐ Morphology of Parafield Vernal Pools

7.5 HydrologyThe Parafield vernal pools rely on clean rainfall runoff. The hydroperiod, or period of time the pool holds water, of each pool is dependent on the catchment area for that pool, the type of plant cover in that catchment, rainfall and evaporation rate.

Rainwater is highly reactive due to its poor buffering capacity. Vernal pool diurnal pH variation is extreme, as it responds immediately to the respiration of pond plants and animals. Daily pH swings of 2‐3 units over as little as two hours are not uncommon. Monitoring of the pools show that dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH all increase during the morning (Coleman and Cook, 2002).

Electrical conductivity (EC) of the pools varies from 226‐396 μg/cm (Delta, 2011), which is higher than that of rainwater (<.015 μg/cm) but within freshwater river limits (0‐800 μg/cm) (Waterwatch, 2011).

As the pools are shallow, small variations in water depth can make a large difference to the area inundated. The hydroperiods recorded for the Parafield Vernal Pools can range anywhere 6 months to 0 days in drought and post‐drought conditions.

Vernal pool plants tend to favour low nutrient environments. The main input into rainfall dominated vernal pools is atmospherically derived nitrogen (Hobson and Dahlgren, 1998).

0.8

0.9

1

1.1

1.2

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70



Profile of Pool 10

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70Relative elevation (m)


Profile of Pool 11

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0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50



Profile of Constructed Pool


7.6 Native Vegetation As outlined in the sections above, the local soil and water properties and processes generate a specific environment which supports a particular vegetation assemblage suited to these conditions. Many of the plants found at the Parafield Vernal Pools are vernal pool specialists (VPS) such as Amphibromus and Marsilea species (Figure 7).

Flora and fauna studies conducted since 1999 over the entire airport have identified a number of significant plant species that are listed under State legislation. Some plants found at Parafield Airport also appear on the locally significant list (Table 2).

The dominant natives which occur in each of the pools are summarised in Table 3, with VPS species indicated by the # symbol and weed species indicated by * symbol. A complete list of species recorded at the site is available in Appendix 1.

Figure 8 ‐ Amphibromus and Marsilea at Parafield Vernal Pools.

7.7 Native Fauna The fauna detailed below is a compilation of observations from several site visits by consultants and PAL employees. A full fauna list is available in Appendix 2.

7.7.1 Invertebrates

Vernal pools worldwide are associated with small crustaceans, specifically Fairy, Seed and Shield Shrimp. In the early 1990’s, the vernal pools existing in the road reserves near Two Wells had Shield Shrimp in them (Coleman and Cook, 2002). The specie remains unknown as the pools have since been destroyed, but it is possible they were undescribed, as little work has been done on these organisms in Australia.

Like VPS flora, described VPS crustaceans that are known are often extremely endemic, with some species existing in very restricted area of pools. Fairy Shrimp usually produce some eggs that will hatch that same season, whilst some remain dormant. The eggs survive the drying regimes of the pools because they are encysted in a hard, proteinous casing, enabling them to resist desiccation for many years. The eggs hatch after they are ‘triggered’ by specific conditions such as temperature, pH or salinity.

Eggs may be transferred between pools by ‘hitching’ a ride on wading birds or via ingestion, which they are able to survive due to the egg case. It has been suggested that some eggs may remain dormant for decades or even centuries before hatching (Belk, 1998).

Table 2 ‐ Listed Flora Species at Parafield Airport

Common Name Species Name State Listing Regional Listing

Black Cotton Bush Maireana decalvans Endangered Endangered

Hoary Rush Juncus radula Vulnerable Vulnerable

Five‐spine Bindyi Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa Rare Rare

Barren Cane‐grass Eragrostis infecunda Rare Vulnerable

Austral Pillwort Pilularia novae‐hollandiae Rare Endangered

Wiry Dock Rumex dumosus Rare Endangered

Swamp Crassula Crassula helmsii Endangered

Lagoon Saltbush Atriplex suberecta Vulnerable

Swamp Wallaby‐grass Amphibromus nervosus Vulnerable

Australian Mudwort Limosella australis Vulnerable

a dock Rumex tenax Vulnerable

Lesser Joyweed Alternanthera denticulata Rare

Flat‐fruit Club Rush Isolepis platycarpa Rare

Hairy Nardoo Marsilea hirsuta Rare

Round‐Leaf Wilsonia Wilsonia rotundifolia Rare

Tar Bush Boerhavia dominii Rare

Common Nardoo Marsilea drummondii Near Threatened

Twiggy Sida Sida intricata Near Threatened


Table 3‐ Dominant Native Vegetation in Parafield Vernal Pools

Species Constructed

Pool Pool 2 Pool 6 Pool 4 Pool 8 Pool 10 Pool 11 Pool 9

Amphibromus nervosus #

Atriplex semibaccata

Atriplex suberecta

Austrodanthonia caespitosa

Austrostipa scabra

Chloris truncata

Chenopodium pumilio

Crassula natans var. minus #

Cressa cretica #

Cyperus gymnocaulos

Eleocharis acuta #

Enchylaena tomentosa

Enneapogon nigricans

Eragrostis infecunda

Isolepis platycarpa

Juncus bufonius

Juncus subsecundus

Limosella australis#

Lythrum hyssopifolia #

Maireana brevifolia

Maireana decalvans

Marsilea spp.#

Oxalis perennans

Rumex dumosus #

Rumex tenax

Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa

Wilsonia rotundifolia # # Vernal pool specialist.


Figure 9 – A Water Flea (L) and a Shield Shrimp (R) found at the Parafield Vernal Pools

Other crustaceans found at the vernal pools include Seed Shrimp (Newhamia sp.), Clam Shrimp and Water Fleas (Moina and Simocephalus sp.). The specimens illustrated in Figure 9 were opportunistically collected and photographed by consultants. Seaman (2002) gave the Parafield Vernal Pools a high aquatic invertebrate diversity rating.

The group of ‘Blues’ butterflies have been noted during the course of site visits, feeding on the Lesser Loosestrife (Lythrum hyssopifolia) blossoms. Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae rapae) are abundant during late November, and occasionally Caper Whites (Belenois java teutonia) have been sighted.

Other invertebrates seen at the pools included dragonflies, damselflies, meat‐ants, small black ants, hoverflies and introduced honeybees. Family Chironomidae in the form of Bloodworms – the larvae of non‐biting midges, have also been found in the pools.

7.7.2 Birds

As vernal pools have a rapid dry‐down rate, they are unlikely to attract water birds for the majority of the year.

The noise road‐effect, in conjunction with the ephemeral nature of the water in the wetlands and the small size of the pools reduces the likelihood of these patch habitats hosting large populations of hazardous birds.

There have been sightings in or adjacent to the VPCZ of grassland dependent birds. Some sighted during several site visits by various parties are tabulated below. A full species list is available in Appendix 2.

7.7.3 Reptiles and Amphibians

Amphibians noted during site visits were the Common Eastern Froglet (Crinia signifera), and the Spotted Marsh Frog (Lymnodynastes tasmaniensis). The former were found sheltering in the cracking clay of the drying pans, and several were dug up during soil sampling (Coleman and Cook, 2002).

One Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis), was encountered during a topographic survey of the pools, swimming across the pool. A mating pair was also observed (Coleman and Cook, 2002).

Table 4‐ Birds Sighted at Parafield Vernal Pools

Common Name Species Name State Listing

Black‐tailed Native‐hen Gallinula ventralis

Black Shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris

Black‐winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Egrets Ardea and Egretta spp.

Grey Teal Anas gibberifrons

Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides

Sandpiper possibly Tringa sp.

Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae

Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis

White‐winged Fairy Wren Malarus leucopterus

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Rare


8 Cultural Heritage

8.1 Indigenous Heritage A compilation of archival information regarding Kaurna sites in the vicinity of Parafield Airport identifies several known sites, including isolated artefacts, stone artefact scatters and burial and ‘mound’ sites; where camping refuse raises the height of the camping area (Wood, 1999). Mound sites often contain Aboriginal burials, oven stones, stone artefacts and faunal remains such as kangaroo, dingo, seashells, emu eggshell and other food remains. These artefacts indicate that the general area has a rich and varied archaeological record of Kaurna occupation.

The VPCZ encompasses two artefact scatters (Wood, 1999). No sites within Parafield Airport are listed on the interim register under the EPBC Act or the South Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

8.2 Non‐Indigenous Heritage An historic title search reveals that prior to Airport operations the area was primarily used for grazing and farming post European settlement. No heritage sites have been listed to date on the Australian Heritage Commission Register of National Estate, the Commonwealth Heritage List (controlled or owned by the Commonwealth) or the State Heritage Register.

9 Managing Natural Heritage

The general duty of Australian Airports to preserve habitat as stipulated in the Regulations offers protection for local biota, ecosystems and habitats of native species. Work proposals in the area should be negotiated so that no adverse effects occur on site.

9.1 Wetland Habitat Each of the pools and hollows over the Cross Keys and Bennett Precincts were given a rapid biodiversity rating in 2002 (Coleman and Cook, 2002a). This provided a useful system for ranking the pools from best to worst condition in order to designate which pools should be used as reference pools for the monitoring program and to determine which pools should be subject to remedial works. However, the assessment was undertaken during late summer and therefore didn’t capture all significant flora species (Coleman and Cook, 2002a), nor did it assess the pools as a wetland complex against a number of other important wetland features.

Building on five years of data collected since commencement of the monitoring program, PAL will conduct a more robust wetland condition assessment. The monitoring program will also be adjusted to capture data that will reflect the health of the wetland as a whole and accordingly, monitor against the broadened objectives for the site under this Management Plan.

Objective:

To protect and improve the wetland health condition of the vernal pools.

Actions:

Continue to host monitoring data on a publicly accessible website (Delta, 2011).

Implementation of the VPCZ Revegetation Plan.

Implementation of the VPCZ Monitoring Program.

9.2 Geology, Soils and Landform An intact duripan is an essential element of a vernal pool. Earthworks in the VPCZ can damage the integrity of a pool’s hydroperiod, causing an immediate change in species dominance. Aerial photography from the late 1980’s shows the Parafield pools with heavy plough marks across their surface. The deterioration of the northernmost pools may date from this event.


Changing the landform around the pools themselves may also change the catchment area and the quality of the water reaching the pools. To ensure the health of the pools, all works carried out should not interrupt current surface water movement and soil processes.

PAL will ensure environmental impact assessments are conducted as part of the Building Activity approval process for projects in adjacent precincts, which will inform design, construction and operation of facilities and developments.

Objective:

To maintain the integrity of soil and landform to allow current surface water movement and soil processes to continue.

Actions:

Environmental Impact Assessments submitted as part of Building Activity applications.

Method of works plan to be provided for comment and approval by PAL prior to commencement of works.

Works to be supervised by someone with sound knowledge of vernal pools and associated natural processes.

9.3 Water Quality The water in the pools is quite still. Turbidity is contributed by tannins derived from decomposing vegetative material and disturbance of the pool bed by animal trampling. Excessive turbidity can have detrimental impacts on both flora and fauna utilising the pools.

Water quality is also an important factor determining the types of plant‐life that will establish in a wetland. Wetlands with high nutrient concentrations in the Northern Adelaide Plains are frequently invaded by plants such as Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) and the Common Reed (Phragmites australis).

Since 2006, depth and hydroperiod monitoring has been carried out and hosted on a publicly accessible website, and can be obtained by contacting PAL. This monitoring should be continued to enable DoIT to assess the success of the constructed vernal pool, and also to enable PAL to assess whether management objectives and actions as outlined in this plan meet with the general duty to preserve habitat as stipulated in the Regulations.

Objective:

To maintain water quality of a standard that enables the vernal pools to function in a stable state.

Actions:

Hydroperiod, water depth, turbidity, pH, and nutrients and hydrocarbons monitored as per VPCZ Monitoring Program.

Manage visitor access so as to minimise disturbance of pools during the hydroperiod.

9.4 Native Flora and Fauna Butterflies need plants for nectar as well as larval hosts. In many cases, one species of butterfly will require two different species of plants. Grasslands provide habitat for many of the State’s less common butterfly species. Speargrasses (Austrostipa spp.) are known to be a larval host for the rare White‐veined Skipper (Herimosa albovenata). The Chequered Blue (Theclinesthes serpentata) uses saltbushes and other chenopods for its larvae. The Rayed Blue (Candalides heathi heathi) and the Meadow Argus (Junonia villida calybe) use introduced plantains as larval host plants in the Adelaide area.

Other butterflies such as the Common Grass Blue (Zizina labradus), Southern Grass‐dart (Ocybadistes walkeri hypochlorus) and the White Grass‐dart (Taractrocera papyria) use a wide range of native and introduced grasses as larval hosts, highlighting the value of allowing areas of native grassland to grow undisturbed by slashing, burning and other management techniques, at least during the periods larvae are likely to be present.

Aquatic invertebrates that exist in the Parafield vernal pools, like those found in vernal pools in other parts of the world, rely on wetting and drying regimes and are responsive to environmental factors in their breeding cycles. The assemblage of invertebrates, particularly the crustaceans, will continue to be studied and identified, as there is potential for the Parafield vernal pools to be harbouring a number of rare, and possibly undescribed, species.

Birds must be managed balancing the requirements of the Regulations and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), namely, the MOS 139 – Bird and Animal Hazard Management.


While the Regulations require PAL to preserve biota, PAL is also required under MOS 139 to deter hazardous birds from utilising any part of the aerodrome. Desirable birds of note include a small population of White‐winged Fairy Wrens and Stubble Quail which are known to occur in the vicinity. Undesirable species are waterfowl which may visit the site during the hydroperiod. The site will require monitoring of bird species to ensure that hazardous species are discouraged before habituating at the VPCZ, and that desirable species are encouraged into the site.

Habitat restoration often involves translocation of seeds or individuals from source populations to the revegetation area. Long‐term species survival is dependent on the maintenance of sufficient genetic variation within and among populations. It is important to factor in provenance of source seed if collecting outside the VPCZ, as this will affect the integrity of gene pool for this population. Provenance selection should be preceded by analysis of species pollination and dispersal methods, duration of the reproductive phase, and local climate conditions of the source provenance (Eden, 2006). The Parafield Vernal Pools should be actively revegetated with local endemic vernal pool and surrounding grasslands vegetation assemblages in accordance with the VPCZ Revegetation Plan.

Objective:

To encourage appropriate native invertebrates and vertebrates into the VPCZ by providing suitable habitat.

Actions:


Develop research relationship with appropriate organization(s) to develop species list for aquatic invertebrates.

Ensure weed management regimes do not interfere with breeding patterns of fauna utilising the site.

Engage in research to determine aquatic invertebrate assemblages to better understand how to conserve species extant in the vernal pools.

Facilitate soil and water processes that enable a stable state which allows VPS flora and fauna species to flourish.

Include bird observations in the monitoring program.

9.5 Introduced Plants If the pools remain dry due to drought, specific water and soil processes (ferrolysis and pH swing) fail to occur and the pools become susceptible to invasion by weeds, particularly clover and introduced grasses.

The stormwater drains in the vicinity, such as the Bennett Road drain, may become weed infested, particularly after storm events. Popular plants for council landscaping can also include highly invasive species, such as Ash trees. Both the drains and the perimeter should be monitored to ensure that weedy escapees do not establish in the VPCZ.

Aggressive, invasive weeds known to currently pose a threat include; Kikuyu, Clover (Trifolium spp.), Couch‐Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), Salvation Jane (Echium plantagineum), Mustard Weed (Brassica sp.), Blanket Weed (Galenia secunda) and Solanum species (Figure 9).

Figure 10 ‐ Mustard Weed and Salvation Jane at the site

Herbicides or pesticides are not recommended within vernal pools during the hydroperiod. Careful application is appropriate on the uplands surrounding the pools and within the pools after they have dried out in summer, particularly for Kikuyu control.

Weeded areas that are left bare should be revegetated promptly with local endemic species to prevent weedy reinfestation. This requires a small stock of appropriate replacement plants.

There are, however, introduced plants that are VPS. These have become naturalised and their presence is not detrimental to the function of the pools, and may actually be beneficial. These should be left in situ. Eradicating weedy invasive plants on a regular basis reduces competition for endemic plants.


Objective:

To enable natural regeneration of endemic species.

Action:


9.6 Introduced Animals PAL has in place a pest control program that includes ongoing management of fox, rabbit and hare numbers through a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan.

Objective:

Eradication of introduced vertebrate pests.

Actions:

Carry out vertebrate pest management as per the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan.

Coordinate pest animal management regimes with surrounding landholders.

10 Managing Fire

Grass fires late in the dry season may burn right into the pools. Although research conducted in the USA has indicated that anostracan cysts in the soil can survive fire and that shrimp occur in pools in the first post‐burn season (Wells et al, 1997), it is unlikely that vernal pool flora will be fire tolerant.

Fire management may include the maintenance of slashed firebreaks along the road verges and site perimeter.

Objective:

Minimize risk of fire without compromising the survival of endemic flora and fauna.

Action:



11 Managing Cultural Heritage

In collaboration with Kaurna representatives PAL has surveyed areas of the airport and recorded indigenous and heritage sites found in the Environment Site Register, which is updated if a new site is discovered.

There are procedures in place to ensure that known indigenous and heritage sites are appropriately protected from ongoing maintenance activities and new developments.

Objective:

Preserve archaeological heritage values in compliance with relevant standards.

Actions:

All works are subject to Building Activity approval.

Continue to implement procedures for identifying and protecting archaeological artefacts.

Continue to provide avenues for consultation between PAL and traditional custodians – the Kaurna people.

12 Involving the Community

Due to its proximity to local residents and educational organisations, this unique feature offers a valuable natural asset for the community to interpret and learn from.

A better understanding of the pools gained through community involvement should encourage stewardship and ensure the longevity of the Parafield vernal pools.

Objective

To gain wider understanding of the site and its values through community engagement.

Actions

Engage with local university to explore opportunities for further research.

Investigate options to integrate with regional biodiversity programs in the Mount Lofty Ranges region.

Develop interpretation for the site.


13 Managing Visitor Use

Engaging the community as outlined above will encourage more visitor use of the site. Contractors and consultants will also need access to or through the site, and should be managed accordingly.

Objective:

To ensure visitor access and use of the site is of minimal disturbance to the pools.

Actions:

Limit visitor access into the flooded portions of the pools during the hydroperiod.

Develop interpretation and a visitor access plan for the site.

Clearly mark or supervise routes for contractor movement through the site.

14 Managing Reserve Tenure

The low‐lying lands occur on Allotment 1 of Filed Plan 9681 and comprise one certificate of title, Volume 5710 Folio 270, owned by the Commonwealth of Australia, leased by Adelaide Airport Limited until 2097.

If any portion of the VPCZ is to come under control and care of any other institution under a site license agreement or similar, care and control should be provisional on the basis of adherence to this management plan. This will ensure that any activities occurring on the site will comply with the Regulations and PAL policies and procedures.

Objective:

To ensure that licensee activities at site comply with relevant legislation and policies.

Actions:

Adherence to this VPCZ Management Plan is a condition of any site license agreement.


15 Monitoring Program

The monitoring program (Appendix 3) has two objectives, assessment of whether the anthropogenic construction of vernal pools is a viable ‘offset’ option for detrimental impacts to existing pools and determining whether management actions for the VPCZ are achieving the objectives outlined in this plan.

Ultimately, all objectives outlined in this plan aim to maintain and enhance the health of the vernal pools. Key parameters for measuring the condition of the pools were identified in the constructed vernal pool project. These parameters will continue to be monitored. Where objectives are not being met, the VPCZ Management Plan should be reviewed and adapted to adopt actions that will better address those objectives.

Targets which are considered to indicate that the constructed pool has successfully offset impacted pools are:

Topography of constructed pool should mimic naturally occurring pools;

Hydroperiod of constructed pool should be no more than 20% longer than the maximum recorded in the reference pools;

Hydroperiod of constructed pool should be no less than the minimum recorded in the reference pools;

The absolute cover and relative cover of VPSs in the constructed pool should be no less than the minimum recorded in the reference pools;

The constructed pool should support no fewer than the lowest number of VPSs recorded in the reference pools;

VPSs shared by both the impact and reference pools shall be as vigorous and reproductively active in the constructed pools as the reference pools; and

By the last year of monitoring, any VPSs that are dominant (relative cover of at least 20%) in at least one of the two reference pools shall be present as a dominant species in the constructed pool.

Objectives:

To measure whether the anthropogenic construction of vernal pools is a viable ‘offset’ option.

To measure whether management actions for the VPCZ are achieving the targets and objectives outlined in this plan.

Actions:

Implementation of the VPCZ Monitoring Program.


Continue to host monitoring data on a publicly accessible website.


16 References and Bibliography Belk D (1998) Global Status and Trends in Ephemeral Pool Invertebrate Conservation: Implications for Californian Fairy Shrimp, Pages 147–150 in Witham CW, Bauder ET, Belk D, Ferren WR and Rornduff (Eds), Ecology, Conservation, and Management of Vernal Pool Ecosystems – Proceedings from a 1996 Conference, California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.

Bureau of Meteorology (2011) Climate statistics for Australian locations, accessed November 2011, <http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_023013.shtml>

Coleman PSJ and FS Cook (2002) Bennett Road Vernal Pools: Understanding – the first step to restoration, Delta Environmental Consulting, Adelaide.

Coleman PSJ and FS Cook (2002a) PAL Vernal Pools – health, road and industrial estate impacts, mitigation and management, Delta Environmental Consulting, Adelaide.

Coleman PSJ and R Eden (2006) Mawson Connector ‐ Mitigation plan for vernal pools, Delta Environmental Consulting, Adelaide.

Coleman PSJ (2006) Elder Smith Road (formerly Mawson Connector) – Monitoring mitigation success – Parafield Vernal Pools, Delta Environmental Consulting, Adelaide.

Delta (2011), Vernal Pool monitoring program and data, accessed May 2010, <http://www.deltaenvironmental.com.au/archives/vernal/monitoring.htm>

Environment Australia (2000) IBRA Ver5.1 digital data set, Environment Australia, Canberra.

Hagan V (2001) Remnant Indigenous Flora Survey – Area: Proposed Southern Road Corridor, Parafield Airport, Bush‐Anew, Adelaide.

Hamer ML and L Brendonck (1997) Distribution, diversity and conservation of Anostraca (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) in southern Africa, Hydrobiologia, Volume 359, Numbers 1‐3, pp. 1‐12(12), Springer.

Hobson WA and RA Dahlgren (1998) Soil forming processes in vernal pools of northern California, Chico area, in Witham CW, Bauder ET, Belk D, Ferren WR and R Ornduff (Eds) (1998) Ecology, conservation and

management of vernal pool ecosystems – Proceedings from a 1996 conference, California Native Plant Society, Sacramento United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio, 1992 (the "Rio Declaration").

Kraehenbeuhl D (1996) Pre‐European Vegetation of Adelaide: A survey from the Gawler River to Hallett Cove, Nature Conservation Society of SA Inc, Adelaide.

Parafield Airport Limited (2009) Final Sustainability Plan (Airport Environment Strategy) – Parafield Airport, Parafield Airport Limited, Adelaide.

Parafield Airport Limited (2012) Preliminary Draft Master Plan – Parafield Airport, Parafield Airport Limited, Adelaide.

Petrov B and Petrov I (1997) The status of Anostraca, Notostraca and Conchostraca (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) in Yugoslavia, Hydrobiologia, Volume 359, Numbers 1‐3, pp. 29‐35(7), Springer.

Seaman, R.L. (2002) Wetland Inventory for the Mount Lofty Ranges, Department for Environment and Heritage.

Ulrich D, (2005)A review on habitats, plant traits and vegetation of ephemeral wetlands – a global perspective, Phytocoenologia, Volume 35, Numbers 2‐3, August 2005, pp. 533‐706(174).

Wood V (1999) An Aboriginal Heritage Study for Bennett Rd – Main North Rd to Salisbury Highway Connector Adelaide, Parafield Airport Ltd.

Waterwatch (2002)Module 4 ‐ physical and chemical parameters, Waterwatch Australia National Technical Manual, Environment Australia, Canberra, accessed May 2010, <http://www.waterwatch.org.au/publications/module4/electrical.html>

Wells ML, Hathaway SA and Simovich MA (1997)Resilience of anostracan cysts to fire, Hydrobiologia, Volume 359, Numbers 1‐3, pp. 199‐202(4), Springer.


Appendix 1–Flora List

Family Species Common Name

Liliaceae Allium vineale* Crow Garlic

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata

Lesser Joyweed

Poaceae Amphibromus nervosus

Swamp Wallaby‐grass

Poaceae Anthoxanthum odoratum*

Scented Vernal Grass

Asteraceae Arctotheca calendula*

Capeweed

Chenopodiaceae Atriplex semibaccata

Berry Saltbush

Chenopodiaceae Atriplex suberecta Lagoon Saltbush

Poaceae Austrodanthonia caespitosa

Wallaby Grass

Poaceae Austrostipa scabra

Rough Speargrass

Poaceae Avena fatua* Wild Oats

Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia dominii Tar‐vine

Brassicaceae Brassica sp. Mustard Weed

Poaceae Bromus driandrus*

Great Brome

Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium pumilio

Clammy Goosefoot

Poaceae Chloris truncata Windmill Grass

Asteraceae Cotula coronopifolia*

Water Buttons

Crassulaceae Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula

Crassulaceae Crassula natans var minus *

African Crassula

Convolvulaceae Cressa australis Cretan Cress

Poaceae Critesion marinum*

Sea Barley Grass

Poaceae Critesion murinum*

Barley Grass

Asteraceae Cynara cardunculus*

Artichoke

Poaceae Cynodon dactylon*

Couch‐grass

Cyperaceae Cyperus gymnocaulos

Spiny Flat Sedge

Boraginaceae Echium plantagineum*

Salvation Jane

Cyperaceae Eleocharis acuta Common Spike‐rush

Chenopodiaceae Enchylaena tomentosa

Ruby Saltbush


Poaceae Enneapogon nigricans

Blackheads

Poaceae Eragrostis dielsii var dielsii

Mulka

Poaceae Eragrostis infecunda

Barren Cane‐grass

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia drummondii

Caustic Weed

Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare*

Fennel

Aizoaceae Galenia secunda* Blanket Weed

Iridaceae Gynandris setifolia*

Thread Iris

Boraginaceae Heliotropium europeaum*

Potato Weed

Cyperaceae Isolepis platycarpa

Flat‐fruit Club‐rush

Juncaceae Juncus bufonius Toad Rush

Juncaceae Juncus pallidus Pale Rush

Juncaceae Juncus radula Hoary Rush

Juncaceae Juncus subsecundus

Finger Rush

Asteraceae Lactuca serriola* Prickly Lettuce

Scrophulariaceae Limosella australis

Australian Mudwort

Poaceae Lolium perenne* Perennial Ryegrass

Marchantiaceae Lunularia sp a Liverwort

Solanaceae Lycium ferocissimum*

African Boxthorn

Lythraceae Lythrum hyssopifolia

Lesser Loosestrife

Chenopodiaceae Maireana decalvans

Black Cotton Bush

Chenopodiaceae Maireana brevifolia

Short‐leaved Bluebush

Chenopodiaceae Maireana enchylaenoides

Wingless Fissure‐weed

Marsileaceae Marsilea drummondii

Common Nardoo

Marsileaceae Marsilea hirsuta Hairy Nardoo

Fabaceae Medicago polymorpha*

Burr‐medic

Oleaceae Olea europaea* Olive

Liliaceae Ornithogalum thyrsoides*

Star Of Africa

Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans Native Sorrel



Oxalidaceae Oxalis pes‐caprae*

Soursob

Poaceae Panicum capilare* Witch Grass

Poaceae Pennisetum clandestinum*

Kikuyu

Arecaceae Phoenix dactylifera*

Date Palm

Pilularia novae‐hollandiae

Austral Pillwort

Poaceae Piptatherum miliaceum*

Rice Millet

Polygonaceae Polygonum aviculare*

Wireweed

Brassicaceae Rapistrum rugosum*

Turnip Weed

Ricciaceae Ricciacrinita sp. a Liverwort

Polygonaceae Rumex crispus* Curled Dock

Polygonaceae Rumex dumosus Wiry Dock

Polygonaceae Rumex tenax a Dock

Chenopodiaceae Salsola tragus Buckbush

Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena bicornis

Goathead Burr

Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena muricata var villosa

Five‐spined Bassia


Solanaceae Solanum elaeagnifolium*

Silverleaf Nightshade

Spirogyra sp . an Alga

Fabaceae Trifolium arvense*

Hare's Foot Clover

Fabaceae Trifolium dubium* Suckling Clover

Fabaceae Trifolium incarnatum *

a Clover

Fabaceae Trifolium repens* White Clover

Fabaceae Vicia sativa* Common Vetch

Convolvulaceae Wilsonia rotundifolia

Round‐leafed Wilsonia

Asteraceae Xanthium spinosum*

Bathurst Burr

Zygnema sp. Filamentous Alga

*weed species.


Appendix 2 ‐ Fauna List

Family Species Common Name State Listing

Birds Anatidae Anas gibberifrons Grey Teal

Anatidae Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck

Ardeidae Ardea and Egretta spp. Egrets

Sternidae Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern

Megaluridae Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark

Columbidae Columba livia Domestic/Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove)

Phasianidae Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail

Ardeidae Egretta novaehollandiae White‐faced Heron

Accipitridae Elanus axillaris Black Shouldered Kite

Cacatuidae Eolophus roseicapillus Galah

Falconidae Falco berigora Brown Falcon

Falconidae Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel

Falconidae Falco longipennis Australian Hobby

Falconidae Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon Rare

Rallidae Gallinula ventralis Black‐tailed Native‐hen

Artamidae Gimnorhina tibicen Magpie

Dicruridae Grallina cyanoleuca Australian Magpie Lark

Recurvirostridae Himantopus himantopus Black‐winged Stilt

Laridae Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull

Maluridae Malarus leucopterus White‐winged Fairy Wren

Meliphagidae Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner

Columbidae Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon

Hirundinidae Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin

Anatidae Tadorna tadornoides Chestnut‐breasted Shelduck

Threskiornidae Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis

Scolopacidae possibly Tringa sp. Sandpiper

Charadriidae Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing

Reptiles and Amphibians

Elapidae Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake

Myobatrachidae Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet

Myobatrachidae Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Marsh Frog

possibly Myobatrachidae Tadpoles

Invertebrates

Crustacea ‐ Notostraca Lepidurus apus viridis Shield (tadpole) Shrimp

Crustacea ‐ Conchostraca Lynceus sp. (probably tatei) Clam Shrimp

Crustacea ‐ Cladocera Moina australiensis Water Flea

Crustacea ‐ Cladocera Simocephalus acutirostratus Water Flea

Crustacea ‐ Ostracoda Cypretta sp Seed Shrimp

Crustacea ‐ Ostracoda Candonocypris sp. Seed Shrimp

Crustacea ‐ Ostracoda Mytilocypris tasmanica Pointed Seed Shrimp

Crustacea ‐ Ostracoda Newnhamia sp. Seed Shrimp

Crustacea ‐ Copepoda Unkcyclopoid copepod Cyclops

Insecta ‐ Chironomids probably Chironomus tepperi Midge larvae

Insecta ‐ Dytiscids Unk dytiscid beetle larvae Water Tiger

Flatworms Mesotoma sp. Green Flatworm

Pieridae Belenois java teutonia Caper Whites

Pieridae Pieris rapae rapae Cabbage Whites

Lycaenidae ‘Blues’ butterflies


Family Species Common Name State Listing

Flagellated algae and protozoans

Volvocaceae Volvox sp.

Vorticellidae Vorticella sp . In groups growing on 'hinge' of Lynceus clam shrimps


Appendix 3 – VPCZ Monitoring Program

Background

The construction of Elder Smith Road impacted 3 of 11 naturally occurring pools. To meet with PAL’s legislative requirement to preserve biodiversity, habitat loss was offset with remedial works in pools 4 and 10, and a new pool was experimentally constructed to assess the viability of this as an option for future offset. This is the first vernal pool to be anthropogenically constructed in South Australia.

Pools 2 and 6 offered the highest biodiversity ratings of all pools remaining after construction of Elder Smith Rd, and so offer target water quality and biodiversity references for the constructed pool. After 5 years of monitoring, the results indicate that the constructed pool does not yet simulate the reference pools and continued monitoring for some years is required to determine whether it provides a successful offset.

To assess the success of remedial actions (weed control and seedbank augmentation) undertaken in pools 4 and 10, and pools 9 and 11 were used as control pools in which no rehabilitation activities occurred. By 2011, it was concluded that the weed control and seedbank augmentation had increased the biodiversity rating of pool 10. Pool 4, being a piospheric ‘wallow’ around a drinking trough for livestock identified on the site, has not provided the necessary conditions to support vernal pool species in spite of mitigation efforts. No further monitoring is required to support weed control and seedbank augmentation as successful offset actions in existing vernal pools.

As a result, weed control can now occur across the site, and seedbank augmentation with vernal pool species can occur in all the pools except the reference pools (Pools 2 and 6). Revegetation of upland plantings across the higher parts of the entire site can occur, in accordance with the VPCZ Revegetation Plan.

PAL is obliged to continue a monitoring program to assess the progress of the constructed pool against pools 2 and 6. The constructed pool must achieve the same biodiversity and water quality of the reference pools before it can be considered successful offset for the impacts caused by the construction of Elder Smith Rd. The results of the monitoring program are annually submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Local and Regional Government.

To protect these offsets and to prevent further habitat loss, the remaining pools were incorporated in the Vernal Pools Conservation Zone (VPCZ). As PAL’s understanding of the natural heritage values of the site deepens, PAL recognises the local significance of the vernal pools, and has in its 2011 Master Plan committed to further remediation and rehabilitation of this unusual habitat by developing and implementing VPCZ Management and Revegetation Plans. Undertaking an annual condition assessment of the entire VPCZ will provide an indication of the success of PAL’s management actions in the VPCZ.

The monitoring program outlined below serves the necessary requirements for establishing whether the “no‐net‐loss” habitat creation project is progressing towards success. It measures the similarity of the replacement habitat compared to the natural habitat and also measures the parameters most likely to cause any diversion from progress towards replication. The monitoring schedule is summarized in Table 5.

Parameters

The following paragraphs discuss the parameters that should be monitored to enable measurement of progress towards the mitigation targets. Each parameter is measured at both a reference pool and the mitigation pools.

Hydroperiod

A depth gauge has been permanently installed into the pools being monitored (the created pool and reference pools 2 and 6), at the deepest point along each transect developed above. The depth will be recorded fortnightly during the wet period and a hydrograph for each pond will be completed at the end of each wet season. Graphs showing wetted percentage of the topographic transects shall also be developed. Additionally, photographs of the pools in the main part of the wet season and again as they enter the drying phase shall be taken. Details of the types of graphs required and hydroperiod data sheets are included in the hydroperiod and depth monitoring procedure.


Table 5 ‐ Monitoring Schedule

Parameter Method Monitoring product Frequency of monitoring Areas to be monitored

Pool 2 Pool 6 New Pool

All pools

Grass lands

Climate (Rainfall, Evaporation, Temperature)

Airport weather station Data‐logged weather station records

Daily NA NA NA NA NA

Hydroperiod

Depth gauge placed in constructed and reference pools at the deepest point in pools whose topography is already mapped

Documentation of depth and duration of inundation results should include hydrographs, on‐site photographs.

Fortnightly during wet period each year

Turbidity (NTU) Water Quality Meter Record sheets Fortnightly when water is deep enough to use meter

DO Dawn to noon series DO curve for each pool

Once a year

EC Water Quality Meter Record sheets Fortnightly when water is deep enough to use meter

Temperature Dawn to noon series Temperature curves for each pool

Once a year

Nutrients (N and P) Spectrometry (Total N and Total P)

Annually once water has been present in the pools for at least a month

pH Dawn to noon series pH curve for each pool Once a year

Absolute cover of VPS

Line intersects Calculated absolute cover Annually in November

Relative cover of VPS

Line intersects Calculated relative cover Annually in November

Diversity of VPS Line intersects and density quadrats, seed head ratios.

Comparison of plant vigour between constructed and reference pools

Annually in November

Cover and diversity of Grassland species

Line intersects Calculated absolute and relative cover of natives vs. exotics

Annually in November


Parameter Method Monitoring product Frequency of monitoring Areas to be monitored

Pool 2 Pool 6 New Pool

All pools

Grass lands

Invertebrates Sweep and dip netting

Species lists by pool. Annually in September/October

Birds Observations Species list with position coordinates

Monthly. Fortnightly during wet period each year

Frogs Call recordings Species lists by pool. Annually in September

Disturbance Photography Records that include the date of the disturbance, photographs of the effects, and a description of remedial action

As necessary

Vernal pool condition assessment

An index based on metrics specified in Appendix 4

A health index for each pool with position coordinates

Once a year in Spring while most pools are carrying water


Vegetation Assessment

Transects running approximately north‐south and marked permanently with property pegs have been established in the reference pools 2 and 6 and in the created pool. In November each year a line‐intercept survey will occur along each transect. Details of the method of setting up the ‘line’ and assessing the vegetation are included in the vegetation assessment using line intercept procedure along with vegetation data sheets. Report the absolute cover of Vernal Pool Species present (i.e. VPS as a percentage of transect length) and the relative cover of VPS present (i.e. VPS as a percentage of plant cover). Record which species of VPS are present in each pool surveyed.

Transects will also be set up in the Grasslands to monitor the success of revegetation and weed control methods employed over the site. A line‐intercept survey will occur along the transects annually in November. Details of the method of setting up the ‘line’ and assessing the vegetation are included in the vegetation assessment using line intercept procedure along with vegetation data sheets. Report both the absolute and relative cover of native plant species and weedy exotic species present.

Fauna

The aim of reproducing a complete habitat is to provide that habitat value to indigenous fauna. Accordingly, it is important to monitor wildlife and invertebrates – especially where these include rare or state listed species. Annual spring invertebrate monitoring in the reference and constructed pools would capture many of the unusual Vernal Pool crustaceans, with annual (September) frog song recordings. A monthly site survey of bird activity is undertaken by the University of Adelaide and logged using a grid coordinate system to compliment the bird census database already in use for Parafield Aerodrome. During the hydroperiod, when hazardous bird species are most likely to be attracted to the site, bird census frequency will increase to fortnightly, to ensure early detection and deterral of any undesirable species.

Meteorology

Monitoring the meteorological conditions allows the development of understandings about the expected amounts of interannual variability. The essential elements are rainfall, evaporation, and temperature.

Water Quality

The water quality also needs to be monitored. Temperature, turbidity, conductivity and nutrient content should be compared with those obtained in reference wetlands. This data may explain why some vegetation targets are, or are not, being met.

Disturbance

Monitoring of human disturbance, i.e. all terrain vehicles (ATVs), weeds, grazing and fire events, dumping of trash and other unexpected conditions (i.e. soil piping, erosion, water‐runoff pollutants or wildlife mortality) is important. Some of these events may have a large impact on the establishment of newly constructed vernal pools, and may require immediate rectification. By keeping records of disturbance events, and comparing them to the annual results of biological vigour studies, it will be possible to develop a better understanding of which types and frequencies of disturbance are positive or negative for the maintenance of healthy vernal pools and their grassy/chenopod upland catchments.

Condition Assessment

A condition assessment index for all the pools occurring in the VPCZ shall be undertaken in early to mid‐Spring, when there is still water present in at least some of the pools. The following data shall be recorded for each pool, along with its positional co‐ordinates: number of regionally conservation rated species in the pool, presence of Swamp wallaby‐grass (Amphibromus nervosus), number of regionally conservation rated species in the first 5m of upland surrounding the pool, number of native vernal pool species present in the pool, number of exotic vernal pool species present in the pool, presence of bare soil, presence of Couch or Kikuyu in the wetted area, number of other wetland species present, is there evidence of hydric soils, has water pooled in this pool this winter, current soil saturation. A form detailing the measurement of these parameters is provided in Appendix 4.

By keeping records of how the health of each pool rates relative to each other, and to themselves over time, the effects of the management actions over time may be identified. A summary of management actions is provided in Appendix 5.


Appendix 4 ‐ Monitoring Procedures

Hydroperiod, Depth and Physical Water Quality

What you may need:

Personal protective equipment such as sunhat, gumboots, sunscreen and sunglasses

Site map and list of depth gauge locations

GPS

Hydroperiod record form and pencil

Binoculars

Digital camera

Monitoring the pools

Notify airport security before entering airport property. Find the pool selected for monitoring and locate the depth gauge (Figure 10). Walk round the pool until the depth indicators on the gauge are visible. Binoculars may be required to read the water level. If the gauge is hidden behind vegetation, it may be necessary to walk out to the gauge to read the water level. Take photographs several times through the winter, spring and early summer that show the pools in varying stages of wetting and drying.

Reporting

Record the date and water level on the hydroperiod record form.

Use the depth data and topographic data in the Monitoring Levels spreadsheet to estimate the wetted percentage of each pool.

Produce an annual hydrograph showing all the pools.

When the pools dry up in early summer, calculate the hydroperiod of each pool.

Develop a series of wet‐dry comparative photographs for each pool.

Figure 11 ‐ Depth gauge in dry vernal pool


Vernal Pool Hydroperiod Record

Year: Person recording depth: Constructed pool Reference Pool 2 Reference Pool 6

Date Depth (cm)

Test Date Depth (cm)

Test Date Depth (cm)

Test

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:

pH: EC: Turb:


Vegetation Assessment using Line Intercept

What you may need:

Personal protective equipment such as sunhat, gumboots, sunscreen and sunglasses

50 – 100 m long tape measure

Vernal pool and native plant identification materials

Site map and list of transect peg locations

GPS

Tacks

Mallet or hammer

Vegetation record form and pencil

Digital camera

Monitoring the Pools and Grasslands

Notify the airport that you will be conducting some monitoring in the VPCZ. Find the transect to be monitored and locate the southern transect peg (a white property peg buried so that only about 5 cm projects above the ground). Lay the tape measure out across the pool by tacking the loose end to the southern property peg and walking the tape across the pool to the property peg on the northern side. If two people are present, get one person to stand at the northern peg and the other to walk directly across to the other peg.

Start at the beginning of the transect and look at the plants that intersect it. What is growing directly below the measuring tape? Use the identification guides to help identify the material. If unidentifiable, take a close‐up photograph of the plant that includes flowers or seed heads, or take a small sample of plant material if the collector has obtained a DENR Scientific Collection Permit.

Record the distance along the transect that each species covers. E.g. a 2 metre‐wide swathe of Nardoo. It is not necessary to record bare mud if the patches are less than 20 cm across; however bare areas greater than this must be recorded as mud in the Pool, or as bare ground in the Grasslands.

Continue right along the transect line making a similar assessment. If large lengths of the same thing are encountered, record this as one entry and draw brackets enclosing the area it covers.

At the end of the transect, work out the total amount of each species in linear metres. The calculations required are provided on the vegetation record form. The information obtained will reveal individual species dominance, total percentage cover of vernal pool species, weed species and mud in the Pool transects and native species, weed species and bare ground in the Grassland transects.

After completing a Pool transect, look around the Pool to see if there are other species of plants present that did not occur in the transect line. Record these separately.

Reporting

Calculate the absolute cover of vernal pool or native species as a percentage of transect length.

Calculate the relative cover of vernal pool or native species as a percentage of vegetated length of transect.

Develop a species list for each transect, with VPS marked in the Pool transects.

Develop a table showing the number of VPS present in each pool in the Pool transects.


Vernal Pool Vegetation Record

Date: Person recording transect: Pool being surveyed:

Distance along transect

Plant species Distance along transect


Plant species

Reference data Transect length

Calculations

Constructed pool: 41.3m Vegetated cover (m) m

Reference Pool 2: 59m Absolute cover of vernal pool species as % of transect length

%

Reference Pool 6: 32.6m

Relative cover of vernal pool species as % vegetated cover

%

Extra native species noted:

Number of vernal pool species

Vernal pool species that may occur in the pools

Highly specific: Amphibromus nervosus, Eleocharis acuta, Marsilea spp., Limosella australis, Pilularia novae‐hollandiae More generalist: Rumex dumosus, Cressa australis, Crassula spp., Wilsonia rotundifolia, Lythrum hyssopifolia


Grassland Vegetation Record

Date: Person recording transect: Transect being surveyed:

Distance along transect



Plant species

Reference data Transect length

Calculations

Transect 1 Vegetated cover (m) m

Transect 2 Absolute cover of native species as % of transect length

%

Transect 3

Relative cover of native species as % vegetated cover

%

Extra native species noted:

Number of native species

Absolute cover of weed species as % of transect length

%

Relative cover of weed species as % vegetated cover

%

Grassland species that may occur across the transect

Native: Austrodanthonia spp, Atriplex spp, Maireana spp. Austrostipa scabra, Chloris truncata, Eragrostis infecunda, Eragrostis dielsii var dielsii, Sclerolaena spp, Enneapogon nigricans Weed: Rumex dumosus*, Piptatherum miliaceum*, Critesion murinum*, Bromus driandrus*, Avena fatua*, Lolium perenne*, Solanum elaeagnifolium*


Vernal Pool Condition Assessment

Monitoring form

Measure Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool

Easting

Northing

Hydric soils present (Y/N)

Current soil saturation

Water pooled this winter (Y/N)

Presence of bare soil (P/A)

Presence of couch/kikuyu (P/A)

Regionally rated species in pool (#)

Regionally rated species in buffer (#)

Amphibromus nervosus (P/A)

Native VPS (#)

Exotic VPS (#)

Other native wetland species present (#)

Notes on measuring and scoring these parameters are provided over the page.


Easting and Northing are measured using a GPS. Note which datum you are using. Carry this data forward each year.

Hydric soils may show mottles, gleyed or low‐chroma colours, may have concretions, may display reducing conditions and sulfidic smells or have a saturated moisture regime. All of these are observed by digging a test pit. For the purposes of this assessment, the presence of a duripan of light coloured material qualifies a test pit as having hydric soils present. A “Y” answer scores 1. This factor should be measured on the first year this condition assessment is used and the data should be carried forward. Where pools do not initially show evidence of hydric soils (e.g. the new pool and pool 4 – the wallow) a new pit should be dug at 10 year intervals and the soil re‐evaluated.

Current soil saturation is an immediate hydrologic indicator and saturation is classed as “IN” inundated (2), “SAT” saturated in upper 20cm (1), or “DRY” not wet (0)

Winter water pooling is a hydrologic indicator that considers a longer time frame and is evidenced by current inundation, the presence of peaty deposits in the base of the pool, or by water marks and drift lines on vegetation. A “Y” scores 1

Presence of bare soil suggests a lack of organic material is forming in the pool base, reflecting poor vegetation density. If there are patches of soil with no vegetation and no organic debris, so that mineral soil is visible, record “P”, which scores ‐2

Presence of couch/kikuyu growing within the winter wetted perimeter (the pool proper) is a sign of extended water stress over some years, so a “P” scores ‐1

Regionally rated species in the buffer is a biodiversity indicator based on Table 3 in section 7.6 of the VPCZ Management Plan. Count each species with at least a regional rating or above that occurs within the first 5m wide upland band around the pool. Each species scores 1.

Regionally rated species in the pool is a biodiversity indicator based on Table 3 in section 7.6 of the VPCZ Management Plan.

Count each species with at least a regional rating or above that occurs within the winter wetted perimeter of the pool. Each species scores 1.

Amphibromus nervosus is unique, in the Adelaide metropolitan area, to the Parafield vernal pools. The presence of the veined swamp wallaby grass in any pool scores an additional 1.

Native VPS counts should include both highly specific VPS (Amphibromus nervosus, Eleocharis acuta, Marsilea spp., Limosella australis, Pilularia novae‐hollandiae) and the more generalist species (Rumex dumosus, Cressa australis, Crassula helmsii, Wilsonia rotundifolia, Lythrum hyssopifolia). Each species scores 1.

Exotic VPS counts should include Crassula natans, Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chincherinchee or Star of Africa) and any other exotic specialist VPS (see Coleman and Cook 2002 for a list of species found in vernal pools worldwide) that establish in the pools. These are scored as 0.5 each.

Other native wetland species present relates to native rushes and sedges but excludes reeds and bulrushes, which globally appear excluded from vernal pools (Coleman and Cook 2002). Each rush or sedge species scores 1.

This provides a possible score of 0‐1 for soil conditions, 0 to 3 for wetland hydrology, 0 to ‐3 for stress indicators (bare soil, kikuyu and couch), and a variable score for floral biodiversity value, depending on how many species are present in each pool.

While the detailed assessment sheet for each year should be maintained in the records, the pool condition assessment scores can be presented as a “traffic light” report card, where:

Soil: 0 = red, 1 = green

Hydrology: 0 = red, 1 = orange, 2 = yellow, 3 = green

Stress: ‐3 = red, ‐2 = orange, ‐1 = yellow, 0 = green

Floral biodiversity: a relative scale should be established on the first year the index is used

Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool Pool

Soil condition

Hydrology

Stress indicators

Floral biodiversity


Appendix 5 ‐ Summary of Management Actions

Objectives Actions Timeframe

Managing Natural Heritage

To protect and improve the wetland health condition of the vernal pools

Continue to host monitoring data on a publicly accessible website Implementation of the VPCZ Revegetation Plan Implementation of the VPCZ Monitoring Program

To maintain the integrity of soil and landform to allow current surface water movement and soil processes to continue

Environmental Impact Assessments submitted as part of Building Activity applications Method of works plan to be provided for comment and approval by PAL prior to commencement of works Works to be supervised by someone with sound knowledge of vernal pools and associated natural processes

To maintain water quality of a standard that enables the vernal pools to function in a stable state

Hydroperiod, water depth, turbidity, pH, and nutrients and hydrocarbons monitored as per Section 16 ‐ monitoring program below Manage visitor access so as to minimise disturbance of pools during the hydroperiod

To encourage appropriate native invertebrates and vertebrates into the conservation zone by providing suitable habitat

Implementation of the VPCZ Revegetation Plan Develop research relationship with appropriate organization(s) to develop species list for aquatic invertebrates Ensure weed management regimes do not interfere with breeding patterns of fauna utilising the site. Engage in research to determine aquatic invertebrate assemblages to better understand how to conserve species extant in the Parafield Vernal Pools Facilitate soil and water processes that enable a stable state which allows VPS flora and fauna species to flourish Include bird observations in the monitoring program

To enable natural regeneration of endemic species Implementation of the VPCZ Revegetation Plan

Eradication of introduced vertebrate pests Carry out vertebrate pest management as per the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Coordinate pest animal management regimes with surrounding landholders

Managing Fire

Minimize risk of fire without compromising the survival of endemic flora and fauna

Implementation of the VPCZ Revegetation Plan


Objectives Actions Timeframe

Managing Cultural Heritage

Preserve archaeological heritage values in compliance with relevant standards

All works are subject to Building Activity approval Continue to implement procedures for identifying and protecting archaeological artefacts Continue to provide avenues for consultation between PAL and traditional custodians – the Kaurna people

Involving The Community

To gain wider understanding of the site and its values through community engagement

Engage with local university to explore opportunities for further research Investigate options to integrate with regional biodiversity programs in the Mount Lofty Ranges region Develop interpretation for the site

Managing Visitor Use

To ensure visitor access and use of the site is of minimal disturbance to the pools

Limit visitor access into the flooded portions of the pools during the hydroperiod Develop interpretation and visitor access plan for the site Clearly mark or supervise routes for contractor movement through the site

Managing Reserve Tenure

To ensure that licensee activities at site comply with relevant legislation and policies.

Adherence to this VPCZ Management Plan is a condition of any site license agreement

Monitoring Program

To measure whether the anthropogenic construction of vernal pools is a viable ‘offset’ option

Implementation of the VPCZ Monitoring Program Continue to host monitoring data on a publicly accessible website Implementation of the VPCZ Revegetation Plan

To measure whether management actions are achieving the targets and objectives outlined in this plan

Implementation of the VPCZ Monitoring Program as appended. Continue to host monitoring data on a publicly accessible website Implementation of the VPCZ Revegetation Plan

Adelaide Airport Limited

1 James Schofield Drive, Adelaide Airport, South Australia 5950

Parafield Airport Limited Building 18, Tigermoth Lane, Parafield Airport 5106

Phone (+61) 8 8308 9211 Fax (+61) 8 8308 9311 Email: [email protected]

The information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication but may change without notice.

For the most up‐to‐date information go to www.adelaideairport.com.au

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Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Management Plan 2012 2017

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