Contact Information:
National Centre for Sustainability
(03) 5022 3741
Russell Elliot (Tona)
(03) 5027 3206
An integral part of the rehabilitation of Tona station is the
revegetation program. Like much of the southwest rangelands of NSW,
years of overgrazing by sheep and rabbits have seen major floristic changes
to the Tona landscape. Major losses of structural plants and lack of
regeneration of trees and shrubs has lead to species loss, erosion, soil
degradation and salinity. Without active rehabilitation the precious
environmental services that maintain land and water health will continue to
be lost.
Key MethodsTwo key types of revegetation are taking place on Tona
- passive revegetation which is based on controlling the threatening process that hinder regeneration of plant species, and
- active regeneration based on the redistribution of native plant seed and the planting of native trees across severely degraded areas
The two major threatening processes which are being controlled include grazing pressure and erosion. Tona station is completely destocked (all livestock) and is subject to a monitoring and maintenance plan to control rabbits, goats and pigs. Active revegetation
Seed collection
Throughout the year native seed is harvested from the surviving native plant species on Tona and from the immediate district. Local collections ensure that local provenance (genetic traits and identity) are maintained. This seed is cleaned and stored for later use. Direct seeding
Species are identified for particular landsystems and sites which reflect the original vegetation composition and structures. Seed is sown across these suites in autumn of each year following the early rain break and weed control. Some seeds are treated to prompt germination e.g. acacia seed are dropped in boiling water for a short time to mimic fire and break seed dormancy. Planting
Planting is necessary where species do not grow well from seed. This includes Casuarina (belah), Myoporum (sugarwood), cattlebush, and Eucalypts (black box, mallee). Rip lines are installed over summer, local seed is grown at TAFE, weeds are controlled on site to build rip line moisture, and planting is undertaken in winter/spring. All seeding and planting is monitored for success.