Islands to be weeded

Weeds are to be removed from Rileys Island and Pelican Island Nature Reserves to restore endangered ecological communities and conserve fauna habitat.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has received $17,990 of funding from Wetland Care Australia to undertake the work.

Wetland Care Australia is funded by Natural Heritage Trust and the Catchment Management Authority (Hunter Central Rivers and Northern Rivers).

"These nature reserves protect three endangered ecological communities; Swamp Sclerophyll Forest, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest and Coastal Saltmarsh," said senior ranger Ms Susan Davis.

"The Islands are habitat for many threatened fauna species including: Bush Stone Curlew, Yellow Bellied Sheath Tailed Bat, Little Eastern Bentwing Bat, Greater Broadnosed Bat, Goulds Wattled Bat, Osprey and Pied Oyster Catcher."

Ms Davis said the project would employ two local bush regeneration companies to remove weeds and restore habitat.

Ms Davis said the main weed problems were asparagus fern, bridal creeper, lantana and blackberry.

"Work carried out through the project will be maintained and extended through work from NPWS staff, Green Corps, TAFE students and community volunteers," Ms Davis said.

The next community day will be on Sunday, April 22.

Participants have been asked to meet at Lions Park, North Burge Rd, Woy Woy, at 9am for a 12.30pm return.

For more information, telephone Deb Holloman on 4320 4224.

Press release, 4 Apr 2007 Susan Davis, National Parks and Wildlife Service