Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00045:body:0:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00045
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 54683–57764

plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Although not currently occurring in Australia, Didymo is a highly invasive alga (diatom) of waterways and is an increasingly significant problem in New Zealand.

4.8 Infrastructure, development and recreation

Tourism, associated infrastructure and other human uses of the area encompass a range of localised threats affecting the Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens ecological community, even within national parks. Recreational demands on alpine and subalpine regions continue to rise as more people visit the area in the summer months, as well as the more traditional winter ski season (McDougall and Walsh, 2007). Trampling of vegetation by walkers not keeping to pathways is a problem (Whinam and Chilcott, 2002). The expansion of trail networks created largely to accommodate the popularity of mountain bikes and horse riding is a potential threat if created near the ecological community. These activities have the potential to impact the ecological community indirectly where damage such as erosion, increased sediments and runoff diversions alter hydrology.

Other threats include: ski resort developments, particularly the modification of ski slopes through vegetation and rock removal, which alters hydrology; and associated roadworks and dams required for the production of hydro-electricity (McDougall and Walsh, 2007). Dams and aqueducts are a significant issue due to their permanent impact on local hydrology, as they can lead to affected bogs and fens being drained and ultimately drying out.

4.9 Resource use

Sphagnum moss has previously been harvested from the wild for use in the horticultural industry, notably in Tasmania, with very minor amounts coming from Victoria and NSW (Whinam and Buxton, 1997). The Australian Code of Practice for Sphagnum harvesting states that harvesting should not be carried out in alpine or subalpine environments. However, illegal harvest does occur (TDPIW, 2007). Forestry Tasmania ceased issuing permits to harvest Sphagnum moss from the forest estate in 2011.

Timber harvesting and silvicultural regimes in catchments containing Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens may impact the community through physical disturbance and the potential for associated changes in local hydrology, as well as through fire regimes (Whinam and Chilcott, 2000).

Ground water extraction proposals are a newly-emerging issue that may be a potential high-impact threat to the long-term hydrological health of the ecological community. Groundwater extraction may be a localised threat to the ecological community, depending on the amount of water extracted and the locality.

  5.           Recovery Programme

5.1 Objectives

As indicated in the Introduction to this recovery plan, the objectives are:

Primary objective:
Maintain or extend the current known extent (area) and maintain or improve the condition of the Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens ecological community over the life of the recovery plan.

Supporting objective:
Ensure effective and