Salvage constraints will also be noted to assist in determining the most appropriate translocation method. Noting that plants growing in amongst rock slabs and tree roots are likely to require hand digging and are at greater risk of being physically damaged during salvage operations. Seeds will also be collected if ripe at the time of the pre-clearance survey and provided to a nursery for propagation. The opportune collection period for this species is typically between March and June. Plants will be dug and moved to the onsite nursery area, roots will be trimmed and treated with fungicide and insecticide and then potted into the appropriate sized containers in “Cycad Potting Media” and lightly watered in and monitored until leaf and root growth is apparent, when they will be treated against insect attack. They will then be maintained and cared for, for at least 9 months and planted into the recipient site at the commencement of the next available wet season. Each plant will be oriented with western side facing west.
5.3.2
Preparation of recipient site
Mark Recipient Site Prior to works commencing, the recipient site is to be demarcated with flagging tape or similar. Planting areas may be expanded if deemed necessary to accommodate salvaged plants and providing it is safe for machinery to operate in such areas. All existing/insitu C. megacarpa plants within the recipient site are to be marked with different coloured flagging tape/irrigation flags to that of the salvage area to prevent accidental damage during planting operations. A permanent tag (e.g. aluminium tag) will also be fixed to each plant so they can be easily differentiated from translocated plants throughout the monitoring period and the location recorded. Weed control The initial preparation of the recipient site shall involve the control of all weeds that have potential to impact on the health of C. megacarpa plants, particularly Lantana camara and Lantana montevidensis . Weeds shall be controlled through hand removal and/or spot spraying with appropriate herbicides to establish a weed-free area within the recipient planting areas. Any necessary weed control activities shall be completed less than 4 weeks prior to translocation works commencing and shall preferably be undertaken using manual methods to minimise potential impacts on native plants in the planting area. Fencing and signage The recipient sites should be fenced if they are at risk of damage from entry by persons or stock. Similarly, signage may be erected to prevent unauthorised access to the recipient sites or along maintenance tracks, where applicable.
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Mundic Gully TSF Translocation Project - Cycas megacarpa
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