5.4 Translocation of adult plants Adult C. megacarpa plants will be transplanted using the following methods:
• Record sex (if known) and presence of reproductive structures and remove any viable /mature seed for growing on as outlined in section below. • The area around each individual shall first be checked to locate any seedlings. • All leaf fronds shall be trimmed back to where the rachis is attached to the stems. • A trench shall be dug around each plant (either by hand or with the assistance of an excavator or backhoe), taking care not to damage any associated seedlings, the root system or caudex of the adult plant. Excavation of soil within the root zone (if necessary) shall be undertaken by hand wherever possible to avoid damage and minimise loss of coralloid root clusters, taking care to retain as much soil and organic matter around the root ball as possible. • Any damaged roots shall be trimmed with secateurs and a fungicide/insecticide powder applied to the damaged surfaces. • Hessian shall then be wrapped around the root ball and secured using tie down straps or similar to prevent the loss of soil during extraction. Plants shall then be carefully lifted/scooped up using the bucket of the excavator or backhoe and transported to the onsite Nursery/ holding area. • During transportation by truck to the nursery, plants shall be placed directly on large sawdust filled bags to cushion roots and prevent damage. • The plants shall be kept shaded and transported to the onsite nursery and potted in large rigid containers (not grow bags) in Cycad Mix as soon as possible from the time the plant is excavated, taking care to avoid bruising of plant stems. Heavy plants shall be loaded using a soft sling that is slung on a backhoe or excavator bucket and packed appropriately. • Plants will be dug and moved to the nursery area, roots will be trimmed and treated with fungicide/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 or until good root and leaf growth is evident, then planted into the recipient site at the commencement of the next wet season. • Any damage occurring during salvage or transport operations shall be photographed and recorded in the translocation database.
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Mundic Gully TSF Translocation Project - Cycas megacarpa
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