CMA and landowners to protect grasslands together

LANDOWNERS of grassy eucalypt woodland properties in the Volcanic Plains are encouraged to work with Corangamite CMA to support and protect their endangered native ecosystems.

Focused on grasslands between Meredith in the north, Inverleigh in the south, Shelford in the west, and the You Yangs, the Grassy Eucalypt Woodlands Stewardship Program will see private landholders learn of their unique plants and animals, attend conservation field days and workshops.

They will be supported by a network of environmental organisations working with CCMA, and could gain financial support to ensure conservation efforts like stock fencing, seasonal grazing, ecological burning, and animal and plant pest control are sustainable.

CCMA project officer, Jess Lill said it’s an exciting opportunity for those managing and living on local land to look after and improve the “rare and beautiful ecological communities.”

Following European settlement in the region, only one per cent of these woodland areas full of native gums are left.

Some are centuries old and home to threatened wildlife like the striped legless lizard, growling grass frog and golden sun moth.

“Through this project, land managers will discover the native animals and plants that live within their own woodlands and how they can protect them,” Ms Lill said.

The green collaboration aims to improve the health and condition of the critically endangered native habitat and its catchment connectivity, developing this stewardship program, burning off the land in partnership with its Traditional Owners, and managing public linear reserves.

Visit bit.ly/2R0QRrW to express interest as a landowner.

The Federal Government’s National Landcare Program is funding the initiative.