CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT
Future Development
The Stage 1 development is likely to be followed by further development of facilities on site. Considerations for future development include the above impact minimisation measures and the following
- protection of all Red Gums on site
- protection of grassland remnant in the northern corner identified in DCE (1991) as a conservation zone. Although too small to be considered a separate habitat type this area has indigenous ground flora worthy of protection.
In the long-term, increased recreational usage and visitor usage of Herring Island would have significant detrimental effects on the island's current values and it's potential for rehabilitation. In order to minimise the detrimental effects of increased visitor usage, development of recreational facilities on the island should consider the following:
- maximise control of visitor movements by adequate provision of pathways
- concentrate visitor activities to the cleared silt mound area inside the levee bank
- provide adequate access points at the river's edge to discourage informal access points developing around the island perimeter. If additional access points (ramps or jetties) are required, such facilities should be located on degraded sections of river bank to minimise disturbance (e.g. avoid necessity to remove substantial Phragmites Reed Beds or indigenous shrub and tree species).
Removal of Phragmites Reed Beds
The removal of Phragmites Reed Beds around the island perimeter has been recommended by Melbourne Parks and Waterways in order to improve the visual amenity of the island and to reduce the collection of river-borne refuse at the water's edge. As stated above, the removal of Phragmites Reed Beds should be avoided if possible. Removal of even the narrowest stands of Phragmites will result in a minor reduction in habitat availability for a small number of bird species in the local area. However, waterbirds recorded in the vicinity of Herring Island are locally common. They are likely to persist in the local area, including foraging in and around the shore of Herring Island, even if most of the Phragmites is removed.
The most substantial area of Phragmites Reed Bed occurs on the northwestern bank of the island in the Yarra River channel. The removal of this stand may result in the loss of some bird species from the island, notably the Clamorous Reed Warbler.