Baseline Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition report

A report on the baseline survey results of riparian condition has been compiled by Science Officer Ira Dudley-Bestow and Research Coordinator Luke Peel.

The aim of the report is to establish a baseline data set of the condition of riparian habitat across the length of Mulloon Creek to be used in evaluating the effects of rehydration interventions (leaky weirs) as part of the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative*. Leaky weirs are intervention structures made from rocks and logs used to slow down the flow of water and raise the base water level by creating a chain of ponds.

To determine whether the leaky weirs are repairing the landscape, Rapid Assessment of Riparian Condition (RARC) surveys were conducted across the catchment prior to the installation of leaky weirs. Historic bird and frog survey sites were used for the RARC transect locations at MCNF and lower Mulloon floodplain. Additional sites in the remaining catchment areas were selected using satellite and aerial imagery, site accessibility and local knowledge to be representative of the landholder’s property.

There was considerable variation in the RARC scores across the catchment indicating that the condition of riparian vegetation varies greatly across the Mulloon catchment.

* The Mulloon Rehydration Initiative is jointly funded through the Mulloon Institute and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Initial seed funding for the baseline surveys was provided by South East Local Land Services. The initiative is also assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.

Baseline Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition Report (2021)