5.2 Timing A schedule for the implementation of the translocation plan shall be developed once the timeframe for the commencement of vegetation clearing has been confirmed. The translocation activities will be undertaken in two main phases: • Phase 1 - Re-location of the 46 C. megacarpa plants and establishing in containers in onsite nursery / holding facility • Phase 2 - Propagation and planting of tube stock and Planting of reestablished plants Phase 1 works will be undertaken in stages to align with construction works. There is no documented advice regarding the most suitable time of the year for translocation works for C. megacarpa . General advice provided in Commander et al (2018) is that the preferred time for relocation and/or planting is during months of higher rainfall (i.e. Nov – February) to lessen the chance of plant losses due to water stress. Moist soil also facilitates the process of excavation around plants during translocation and digging for planting holes. However, it is the author’s experience that digging at any time of year is suitable when moving to container growing in a controlled situation to reestablish a root system prior to replanting into a recipient site. 5.3 Translocation methodology The translocation methodology to be followed is detailed in the following subsections. The methodology will be reviewed following appointment of the translocation contractor and confirmation of machinery available/suitable for the task. 5.3.1 Pre-clearance survey Prior to translocation, all C. megacarpa plants within the impact area will be assigned a unique identification code and marked with flagging tape and a fireproof aluminium tag attached to the plant. Seedlings and plants with no trunk will be marked with irrigation flags (or similar) and aluminium tags so they are not overlooked. Pups (suckers) and seedlings within 30 cm of an adult are not required to be tagged as they will be translocated together with the adult plant. The following information will be recorded in a translocation database for all adults and seedlings: • Salvage site, specimen identification code, GPS location • Age class • Health • Evidence of insect attack • Sex (if known) and presence of reproductive structures. • Western side of each trunked specimen will be marked with White marker paint to preserve the orientation in the nursery and recipient site.
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Mundic Gully TSF Translocation Project - Cycas megacarpa
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