Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 6.7.
The Chalkers' farm - a model for waterways and farm dams
Frank and Judy Chalker's farm on the South West Slopes of New South Wales pro-
vides an outstanding example of the benefits of carefully managing dams and water-
ways. The dams on the farm have been fenced to limit bank erosion by domestic
livestock. The Chalkers also have created a set of access points to their dams and
ensured that the native vegetation that has been planted around waterways is not
trampled or degraded. In addition, water from the dams is siphoned (not pumped)
to about 10 water troughs located at convenient watering points on their farm.
This work has resulted in a substantial increase in water quality for their livestock
and greatly improved habitat quality for native wildlife on their farm - including a
range of species of conservation concern like the Scarlet Robin and Flame Robin.
Moreover, this approach has helped Frank and Judy Chalker's farm weather the
extreme drought periods suffered by the South West Slopes between 2000 and
2010. The exciting initiatives taken on the Chalkers' farm clearly demonstrate a
win-win outcome - a win for production and a win for the environment.
Summary
Waterways - streams and creeks, natural wetlands, farm dams and irrigation
channels - are highly significant environments on farms.
1
When they are well
managed they can provide not only high quality water for livestock but also
extremely valuable habitat for a wide range of native species. They are therefore a
key part of the portfolio of environmental assets on a farm. The aquatic and
terrestrial environments in and around waterways are intimately interlinked and
they need careful co-management. This is because the suitability of waterways for
biodiversity is related both to their condition and the condition of the native
vegetation around them.
10
Just as areas of planted native vegetation are markedly different kinds of
wildlife habitat to patches of remnant native vegetation (see Chapters 2 and 3),
farm dams and natural waterways are also markedly different environments for
frogs and birds.
7
Therefore, a well-managed farm needs to maintain the
environmental integrity of both kinds of features. This requires careful whole-of-
farm planning - the primary topic of the remaining chapter in this topic.
References
1.
Romanowski, R. 2009.
Planting Wetlands and Dams: A Practical Guide to
Wetland Design, Construction and Propagation
. 2nd edn. Landlinks Press:
Melbourne.
2.
Martin, T.G., McIntyre, S., Catterall, C.P. and Possingham, H.P. 2006. Is
landscape context important for riparian conservation? Birds in grassy
woodland.
Biological Conservation
127
: 201-214.
