CALM restores habitat at Alfred Cove

30/9/03
The Department of Conservation and Land Management will progressively remove non-native sheoaks as part of the rehabilitation program at Alfred Cove Nature Reserve in Attadale.
Environment Minister Judy Edwards today said the non-native sheoaks would be replaced in several stages over the next 10 years. Each new stage of removal would depend on the successful establishment of replacement native trees and shrubs.
"Casuarina glauca and Casuarina pauper have been introduced from the Eastern States," Dr Edwards said.
"Unlike our native sheoak, Casuarina obesa, these introduced trees reproduce by suckering.
"Their dense canopy prevents sunlight from reaching the ground and if left where they are, they will eventually grow along the whole foreshore killing the sedges and smaller shrubs. Habitat and food sources will be lost, which may lead to a decrease in our native wildlife."
Dr Edwards said the non-native sheoaks would be replaced with trees and large shrubs endemic to the Swan Estuary, such as melaleucas, eucalypts, Casuarina obesa and acacias, to ensure that the taller habitat was not lost.
"Trees and large shrubs are essential to the foreshore as they provide a home and nesting site for many birds, shade for both aquatic and terrestrial animals, stabilise the estuary banks, filter pollutants from the ground water and produce oxygen," she said.
Further information on the restoration project is available by ringing the department's Swan Coastal District on 9336 0111.
Minister's office: 9220 5050