Science in the field
Ventia team surveying the Black Jackie stream gauge at Mulloon Creek Natural Farms.
TMI’s science team has been compiling historical hydrological data for the DataStream system with major partner HydroTerra and working with Ventia on cross section surveys for the stream gauges installed as part of the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative.
The Mulloon Rehydration Initiative is a catchment-scale project that aims to rebuild the natural landscape function of the Mulloon catchment and boost its resilience to climatic extremes for more reliable stream flows, improved ecosystem functioning and enhanced agricultural productivity. It includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive Integrated Monitoring Plan.
TMI has been busy working with major partner HydroTerra on compiling the historical hydrological data collected so far during the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative in readiness for upload into the data management system DataStream. TMI thank all at HydroTerra involved, particularly Richard Campbell for managing and leading, with great assistance from Matthew Potter, John Morton and Gleidson Guilhem.
TMI has also been working with Ventia to conduct cross section surveys at all six stream gauge sites in the MRI to recalibrate the sensors that measure depth of water to enable calculation of water volume. Many thanks to all the team at Ventia with their important work particularly the field operations Gavin Ryan and Paul Niebling, with analysis and generating ratings curves managed by Mark pickles and Matthew Bamford.
The science team worked with local Bungendore group PHL Surveyors (Nicholas Johnston & Alan Longhurst) to survey all the hydrological instruments and leaky weirs to accurately geo-locate which will enable analysis of ground and surface water levels. This will greatly improve the ability to assess the expected positive influence leaky weirs have on ground and surface water (creek levels), and the ability to analyse and model these interactions.
The Mulloon Rehydration Initiative is jointly funded through the Mulloon Institute and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. It is also supported by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.
Ventia team surveying the stream gauge at Sandhills.
Due to the continued wet and boggy conditions instrument maintenance has been challenging to conduct, especially with inquisitive animals continuing to chew cables or dig up instruments no matter how much the team protects cables in conduit and bury them underground.
TMI’s hydrologist Tony Bernardi has finally been able to enjoy his Covid-delayed travels to Europe for two months and trust the wait has been worthwhile with many adventures.
TMI are sad to announce our science officer Ira Dudley-Bestow is moving onto a new role due to his university studies requiring work experience with a registered engineer. Ira will be greatly missed as part of the science team having gained much experience and skills during his time with TMI and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. TMI have advertised for a replacement and hope to bring a new person into the role in the very near future.