Ranking sites
Specific locations within each catchment where weed control will have the greatest benefit for biodiversity will be identified and ranked. Just because a weed is present at a particular site does not mean that it is a current threat or that control is an option. Final prioritisation of sites will consider a range of factors, including the biodiversity at risk, the degree of impact of weeds at individual sites and the feasibility of control to ensure that programs are targeted towards sites where the probability of success is high.
How will this be done?
A triage approach to managing widespread weeds to conserve biodiversity has been adopted by assessing and prioritising native biodiversity and sites for control. This process allows for management to be directed towards high priority sites that contain the highest priority biodiversity. This site prioritisation is based on the model developed for the Bitou Bush and Boneseed Threat Abatement Plan and Lantana Plan and will consider the biodiversity value of a site and the probability of success of the weed control program.
Biodiversity value
The biodiversity value will be allocated as high, medium or low by considering the condition of the species/populations and the value of the site to the survival of the species or community. This will take into account whether the biodiversity is of national, regional or local importance.
Site assessment
This component will be allocated as high, medium or low by considering:
- the urgency of weed control in relation to the biodiversity at risk
- the current impact of weeds at the site and other threats
- the feasibility of control.
Other factors which may influence final prioritisation include coordination with other programs and the sometimes positive effects of weeds, such as acting as a food source for native animals.
Page last updated: 02 May 2011
