The Conservation and Wildlife Research Trust has provided substantial funding to assist in earthworks that will enable the watering of an additional 27 hectares of migratory shorebird habitat at Tolderol Game Reserve Wetlands.
Project description
The purpose of these works are to increase the area of migratory shorebird habitat by 27 hectares by repairing and raising 600 metres of an existing track/low-lying levee and smooth and re-shape an additional 300 metres to enable environmental water to be delivered to basins 12 and 13 at Tolderol Game Reserve Wetlands.
Outcome
These works will bring two of the 17 basins at Tolderol Game Reserve Wetlands back into the watering program increasing both the area of habitat available to migratory shorebirds during spring and summer and the flexibility of the watering program at Tolderol. As productivity (zooplankton and macroinvertebrates as food for wading birds) in an individual basin can be hard to maintain at a high level, having more basins in the watering program allows for staggered water delivery resulting in areas of high productivity available throughout the migratory wader season.
Work Specification
Works on the 600 metre section will require the use of heavy machinery to build up the existing track/levee by an additional 30-40 cm above the current level. This will require road base and rubble to be sourced, transported, spread and rolled.
The 300 metre section requires a small excavator to smooth and reshape areas to prevent leakage and increase vehicle access for visitors to the game reserve.
Ideally works would be conducted in the warmer months when the site is dry and lake levels are lower (drawing groundwater levels down).
Cost Estimate
The total cost of the works are likely to exceed $20,000. This is already taking into account the large in-kind contribution from local landholders and contractors. The greatest cost to the project is the sourcing and transporting of road base material.
Approvals/Permits
Liaison was required with EPA regarding deposition of material on a floodplain as well as obtaining cultural heritage clearance for site works. No other approvals required.
Site Plan
Project Partners
Conservation and Wildlife Research Trust (CWRT), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DEWNR), the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Inc., Birds SA, Signal Point Riverine Environment Group, Conservation and Hunting Alliance of SA and Fleurieu Birdwatchers.