Project :
Cotton Bush & Apple of Sodom Tree Popper Loaning Project
SUMMARY
Cotton Bush and Apple of Sodom are two of the PHBG’s 6 priority weeds. Apple of Sodom can grow to 2m in height and width, outcompeting native plants, restricting stock access and providing shelter for pest animals such as rabbits. Cotton bush forms dense thickets in disturbed or degraded pasture areas, displacing pasture species and posing a risk to stock as the plant is toxic if consumed. Fortunately, both species can be controlled via manual removal of the plant, so landholders can easily take action to control infestations on their property.
Though an effective means of controlling both species, manual removal of mature plants can be challenging due to their size and large root systems. Apple of sodom is a very prickly plant that can be difficult to remove by hand even with the use of PPE.
This project will provide landholders within the PHBG’s operational area with Tree Poppers to assist in manual removal of both Cotton bush and Apple of sodom. Using a manual aid to remove mature plants can reduce the risks of injury and make the process easy and efficient, encouraging landholders to take action.
Currently the tree poppers can be collected from the Waroona Landcare Centre or delivered by PHBG officers if pre arranged. This project will also explore the possibility of setting up satellite collection points across the PHBG’s operational area to increase the accessibility of this equipment to landholders.
SCOPE
IN (i.e. what the PHBG will be doing …)
Within Op area
Delivery of Tree Poppers
Collection of tree poppers
Explore the possibility to create satellite collection points
Purchase of additional Tree Poppers as required
Establishment of satellite collection points (if possible)
OUT (i.e. what the PHBG will not be doing …)
Outside operational area
Removal of weeds by PHBG
REPORTING
Annually, according to the timeline set out by DPIRD.
Updates in newsletters (Quarterly)
Updates to LGAs (Quarterly)
GOALS
To provide landholders with specialised equipment to undertake physical control of Cotton bush and Apple of Sodom in the PHBG operational area.
To provide ease of access to PHBG equipment
To encourage manual removal of Cotton bush by landholders within the PHBG’s operational area.
MILESTONES
March - Establishment of 2 satellite collection points
Ongoing - Landholders loaning equipment to assist in weed control
Ongoing - Landholders satisfied with equipment and service offered by PHBG
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Number of landholders utilising equipment
Satisfaction with equipment and PHBG support
Establishment of 2 satellite collection points