The Tangalla Community, Streams and Rainforest

The Tangalla Community, Streams and Rainforest
A folio for the residents of the Tangalla Community, Jamberoo NSW.
“We’ve had a deep and abiding interest
for a long time in heritage and so on,
and these kinds of remnant rainforest
patches are quite important in defining
what the area’s about, so we have a very
protective approach to it”
Ron White- Tangalla Resident
Welcome to Tangalla Community Streams and Rainforest.
We are a group of landholders who live in the Fountaindale sub-catchment in Jamberoo Valley, who
have banded together to form the Tangalla Community Streams and Rainforest Inc. The community we
live in has a unique arrangement which consists of a productive dairy farm and smaller residential lots
nestled amongst the hills and rainforest gullies of the Fountaindale sub-catchment.
The Tangalla incorporation provides a mechanism for the dairy farm and rural residents to live
cooperatively side by side, and an incentive for our community to appreciate and enhance the unique
environment in which we reside.
This folio aims to build on this cooperation and appreciation to encourage sustainability and
synchronisation in our sub-catchment. The folios can be used as both a reference point for landholders
and a skills and knowledge bank to assist landholders in making the best decisions they can to manage
their land. The objective of the folios is to promote consistency in management as the key to achieving
effective broadscale conservation.
Each property in the TCSRinc will receive a folio, which includes information about general ecological
principles and guidelines about specific restoration and management initiatives that are useful in this
delicate rainforest setting. The folios are also aimed at helping to promote a positive and meaningful
culture of action and cohesion in our community.
Tangalla Community and Surrounds including Fountaindale Dam
Land in the Tangalla Community is mostly privately owned, with a 300-acre dairy farm surrounded
by smaller lots. This arrangement takes into account both the significance of the rainforest and
maintaining productivity in the dairy farm whilst also providing for residential development.
The subdivision’s rural residential landholders work actively with the dairy farm to manage, protect
and enhance our unique environment, rainforest and waterways. By creating productive, working
partnerships between the farmers, residents and the local community, TCSRinc has achieved
improved land management outcomes and positive environmental change in the Fountaindale
sub-catchment and in the broader community.
Tangalla
Streams and Rainforest
The landholders in Tangalla have
committed to actively managing and
protecting the remnant rainforest
around their properties. Many of the
landholders
carry
out
extensive
regeneration and revegetation works on
their land and on the common areas in
the shared community zones.
This work has included the removal of
invasive weeds and the management of
populations of feral animals.
Landholders and other volunteers have
planted hundreds of native rainforest
species to enhance wildlife corridors,
regenerate disturbed and cleared areas
and strengthen buffer zones between
the forest and land with other uses.
This active management is vital to
maintain the health of the surrounding
vegetation, and to mitigate against
cumulative negative impacts which are
emerging in these new rural landscapes.
The Tangalla community area covers
diverse and important environmental
zones. It includes the headwaters of
Fountaindale Creek which flows directly
into the Minnamurra River and wetlands
area via the historic Fountaindale Dam.
TheFountaindale Dam is located within the community area and flowing into it is a series of
small pristine mountain streams. These streams bisect significant areas of remnant rainforest,
much of which is unspoilt, zoned High Conservation and supports a wide and thriving variety of
native birds, animals and reptiles.
Restoration and Revegetation of Fountaindale Dam
Rainforests are one of the most complex and diverse biological formations on the planet. They support
a vast diversity of flora and fauna and provide important services for the survival and livelihood of
humans. Subtropical rainforests are the most complex and have a huge diversity of flora, with the
species composition of the canopy varying greatly even between local stands.
Rainforest in Australia is restricted to a narrow band along the eastern coast and Tasmania, where
there is sufficient rainfall and humidity. They occur in closed communities, often in sheltered gullies or
lowland valleys. There are three main types of rainforest dependant on the major climatic zones
(Tropical, Subtropical, and Temperate) or on microclimatic variations of these zones.
The rainforests in the south east of Australia are often referred to as a scattered archipelago of small
island-like stands, living museums of what was once widespread over the entire Illawarra region and
beyond.
The expanse of rainforest in the Illawarra has unfortunately been intensely cleared and exploited over
the years for timber, farming and development. The rainforests of Kiama were especially exploited,
leaving only the inaccessible gullies and rocky slopes of remnants to this day. These areas are now
important refuges for the ancient rainforest communities and must be protected from further
degradation and devastation.
Rainforests such as those in Tangalla, provide refuge for a vast variety of species of plants and
animals. They host many ancient species of ferns, lichens and mosses, and are home to a huge variety
of invertebrates, many of which have Gondwanan origins. It is now recognised that subtropical
rainforests have a mega-diverse insect fauna inhabiting the tree canopy and leaf litter. The foliage of
rainforest trees in particular support a vast variety of invertebrates, some of which rely on plant
specific relationships such as the caterpillar Theretra clotho with the Giant Stinging Tree
(Dendrocnide excelsa).
A large proportion of rainforest
trees produce fleshy fruits, which
are eaten and dispersed by birds
and mammals. Rainforests are
renowned for the diversity of
birdlife, of which many species are
‘nomadic’ and travel up and down
the coast according to the flowering
and fruiting times of different
rainforest plants.
Rainforest thrives in high rainfall
areas with warm temperatures to
spur
the
lush
growth
and
germinate seeds, making the
Illawarra an important climatic
zone for the survival of rainforest.
The complexity of rainforest is
largely
due
to
the
varied
dependence and interactions among
the various rainforest organisms.
Rainforest complexity is also due to
the complex structures within the
forest, and its numerous layers
ranging from the subsoil abd leaf
litter, to above ground layers such
as groundcovers, understorey, midstorey, canopy, and emergent trees.
The vegetation of the Fountaindale Sub-Catchment has been largely fragmented by agriculture and
residential development. There are however, stands of significant size and quality that are considered to
be of high conservation value. These larger stands are linked together by corridors of mixed quality
vegetation. These corridors are extremely important for connecting larger vegetation stands for
increased mobility of native wildlife. This mobility raises the potential for increased genetic diversity of
faunal populations, which subsequently increases floristic diversity through dispersal of rainforest fruit
and seed by native animals.
The rainforest remnant stands are considered to be of high conservation status due to their floristic and
structural diversity, with a range of quality indicators found including epiphytes, vines and mature
trees. The stands are a refuge for the Red Cedar (Toona ciliata), which was devastated after early
colonial timber getting. Bangalow Palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) have also been found in
the rainforest, which are rare to find in remnants this far south. The Endangered Zieria granulata also
occurs in the forests and care should be taken to monitor and record sightings.
On ground works have recently been carried out in the Tangalla community to assist the recovery of the
forest from impacts of vegetation loss through clearing and invasive plant species. Results of this work
have found that there is excellent potential in degraded areas for regeneration and improved resilience
of these rainforest communities. Improving the connectivity and quality of vegetation stands by using
assisted regeneration techniques could prove to be vital for maintaining the biological and genetic
diversity of these important vegetation hotspots.
Restoration is the process of returning degraded ecosystems to similar conditions as naturally
occurring ecosystems, or reference sites. There are many variables which need to be taken into
consideration when planning to undertake restoration activities. These include;
• The natural structural characteristics of the ecosystem such as multi-layer vegetation and tree
canopy cover
• The natural functional attributes and dynamics of the ecosystem such as pollination, seed dispersal,
decomposition and nutrient cycling, and
• The characteristic native species assemblages and diversity of the ecosystem, such as the plants,
animals, fungi, and other lifeforms found in reference sites.
It is also important to consider the priority in which work is carried out, taking practical
considerations into account such asThe natural resilience of the site:
the potential for natural regeneration. Indicators may include proximity to native , mature/fruiting
trees, percentage of native seedlings germinating after disturbance, microclimate of the site
The linkages to other sites:
Is the target area going to add value to the landscape scale conservation effort in terms of a wildlife
corridor, or alternatively, a barrier to the dispersal to invasive plants?
Heirarchy of Goals to manage Rainforests
( From ‘ The Rainforest Restoration Manual for South-Eastern Australia’ Bill Peel, CSIRO, 2010 )
GOAL 1. Protect existing remnants from major threats (including clearance and weeds)
GOAL 2. Repair and extend existing remnants
GOAL 3. Connect or recreate missing remnant islands
GOAL 4. Recreate new stands in more isolated areas
GOAL 5. Monitor your results
“Rainforest restoration is both an art and a science. By taking the time to develop your restoration skills,
you will find the individual restoration tasks relatively easy (and very enjoyable). While the overall job
may be complex on some sites, success is achievable if you follow advice, and learn to experiment and
improve your techniques along the way. Restoration does not suit everyone's interests, time, money or
abilities: it can be an expensive process (though not always) that may take many years of commitment to
complete. Even if rainforest restoration is not your cup of tea (for whatever reason), your site can still be
restored by engaging someone who is an expert in the field.” (Rainforest Restoration Manual for S.E Aus 2010)
Hibbertia scandens
The Fountaindale Sub-Catchment hosts a range of vegetation communities that vary across the
landscape due to variations in aspect, geology and topography. Consequently, the vegetation
communities flourish in their own niches, or microclimates, with eucalypts dominating the more
exposed terrain while richer subtropical rainforest associations are confined to more sheltered
gullies. The Fountaindale sub-catchment hosts a number of distinctive vegetation communities
including
- Blackbutt Tall Forest (E. Pilularis, Syncarpia glomulifera)
- Blue Gum-Turpentine Forest ( E. Saligna x Botryoides ; Syncarpia glomulifera)
- Paperbark Tall Shrubland (Melaleuca armillaris)
- Complex Sub Tropical Rainforest. (Ficus spp., Toona ciliata)
The understorey of these communities predominantly consists of diverse rainforest species, which
take advantage of the shelter provided by the Eucalypt and Turpentine canopies.
The Tangalla Community has welcomed many local experts who have assisted them in
identifying many of the rainforest species which can be found in the surrounding forests.
Experts from Landcare Illawarra, Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and the
University of Wollongong have collaborated to produce species lists for the vegetation
communities in the area. The following pages contain lists of the species found in the Tangalla
Community.
Blechnum ambiguum
Dicksonia antarctica
Asplenium flabellifolium
Adiantum aethiopicum
Adiantum formosum
Adiantum hispidulum
Arthropteris tenella
Asplenium australasicum
Asplenium flabellifolium
Blechnum ambiguum
Culcita dubia
Cyathea australis
Dicksonia antarctica
Doodia aspera
Lastreopsis acuminata
Lastreopsis microsora
Lastreopsis sp.
Microsorum scandens
Pellaea falcata
Pellaea nana
Pteris umbrosa
Pyrosia rupestris
Maidenhair fern
Giant Maidenhair
Maidenhair Fern
Jointed Wing Fern
Bird’s Nest Fern
Necklace Fern
Native Fishbone Fern
Rainbow Fern
Rough Tree Fern
Tree Fern
Rasp Fern
Shield Fern
Trim Shield Fern
Shield Fern
Kangaroo Fern
Sickle Fern
Dwarf Sickle Fern
Jungle Brake
Rock Felt Fern
Stellaria flaccida
Viola hederacea
Commelina cyanea
Aneilema biflorum
Commelina cyanea
Dichondra repens
Oplismenus aemulus
Oplismenus imbecilis.
Peperomia tetraphylla
Stellaria flaccida
2 Flowered Aneilema
Scurvy Weed
Kidney Weed
Broad Leaf Basket Grass
Narrow Leaf Basket Grass
Four-Leaved Peperomia
Native Chickweed
Elatostema reticulatum
Geranium homeanum
Plectranthus parviflorus
Pseudoranthemum variabile
Sigesbeckia orientalis
Solanum pungetium
Urtica incisa
Viola hederacea
Rainforest Spinach
Native Geranium
Native Mint
Pastel Flower
Indian Weed
Eastern Nightshade
Stinging Nettle
Native Violet
Dendrobium speciosum
Dipodium punctatum
Dipodium punctatum
Palms
Livistona australis
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana
Livistona australis
Sedges
Carex longebrachiata
Gymnostachys anceps
Lomandra longifolia
Tussock Sedge
Settler’s Flax
Matt Rush
Stellaria flaccida
Carex spp.
Yellow Rock Orchid
Hyacinth Orchid
Cabbage Palm
Bangalow Palm
Shrubs
Hibiscus heterophyllus
Citriobatus pauciflorus
Clerodendrum tomentosum
Goodia lotifolia
Hibiscus heterophyllus
Hymenanthera dentata
Indigofera australis
Omalanthus populifolius
Pimelia ligustrina
Pittosporum revolutum
Solanum aviculare
Synoum glandulosum
Wilkea huegelianana
Omolanthus populifolius
Scramblers
Rubus rosifolius
Rubus sp. aff. Moorei
Native Raspberry
Native Bramble
Synoum glandulosum
Orange Thorn
Hairy Clerodendron
Clover Tree
Native Hibiscus
Native Violet
Indigo Girls
Bleeding Heart
Tall Rice Flower
Woolly Pittosporum
Kangaroo Apple
Illawarra Rosewood
Wilkea
Trees
Backhousia myrtifolia
Ceratopetalum apetalum
Diospyros pentamera
Acacia binervata
Acacia maidenii
Acacia melanoxylon
Acmena smithii
Acronychia oblongifolia
Alectryon subcinereus
Alphitonia excelsa
Backhousia myrtifolia
Baloghia inophylla
Bolwarra laurina
Brachychiton acerifolius
Cassine australis
Ceratopetalum apetalum
Cinnamonum olivieri
Citronella mooreii
Claoxylon australe
Cryptocarya glaucescens
Cryptocarya microneura
Dendrocnide excelsa
Diospyros australis
Diospyros pentamera
Diploglottis australis
Doryphora sassafras
Ehretia acuminata
Elaeocarpus kirtonii
Elaeocarpus reticulatus
Emmenosperma alphitoniodes
Eucalyptus muelleriana
2 veined Hickory
Maiden’s Wattle
Blackwood
Lillypilly
Native Lemon/(Tic Tac)
Native Quince
Red Ash
Grey Myrtle
Brush Bloodwood
Bolwarra
Illawarra Flame Tree
Red Olive Plum (Native Jaffa)
Coachwood
Oliver Sassafras
Churnwood
Brittlewood
Jackwood
Murrogan
Giant Stinging tree
Black Plum
Myrtle Ebony
Native Tamarind
Sassafras
Koda
Pigeonberry ash
Blueberry Ash
Yellow Ash
Yellow Stringybark
Syzygium australe
Melia azerdarach
Toona australis
Eucalyptus quadrangulata
Eucalyptus Saligna x Botryoides
Eupomatia laurina
Exocarpos cupressiformis
Ficus coronata
Ficus macrophylla
Glochidion ferdinandi
Guioa semiglauca
Litsea reticulata
Melia azerdarach
Melicope micrococca
Notalea longifolia
Pennantia cunninghamii
Pittosporum undulatum
Planchonella australis
Polyscias elegans
Polyscias Murrayi
Psychotria loniceroides
Rapanea howitteana
Sloanea australis
Stenocarpus salignus
Streblus brunonianius
Syncarpia glomulifera
Syzygium australe
Toona australis
Tristaniopsis collina
White Topped Box
Sydney Blue Gum X
Bolwarra
Native Cherry
Sandpaper fig
Moreton Bay Fig
Cheese Tree
Guioa
Bolly Gum
White Cedar
Melicope
Native Olive
Brown Beech
Native Daphne
Black Apple
Celerywood
Pencil Cedar
Hairy Psychotria
Brush Muttonwood
Maiden's Blush
Beefwood
Whalebone
Turpentine
Brush Cherry
Red Cedar
Kanuka
Pandorea pandorana
Tylophora barbata
Eustrephus latifolius
Calystegia marginata
Cissus antarctica
Cissus hyperglauca
Desmodium sp.
Eustrephus latifolius
Geitenoplesium cymosum
Glycine sp.
Hibbertia scandens
Legnephora moorei
Maclura cochinchinensis
Malaisia scandens
Marsdenia rostrata
Moorinda jasminoides
Palmeria scandens
Pandorea pandorana
Parsonsia straminea
Piper nova-hollandae
Rubus rosifolius
Smilax australis
Stephania japonica
Tylophora barbata
Calystegia
Kangaroo Vine
Water Vine
Desmodium
Wombat Berry
Scrambling Lily
Glycine
Climbing Guinea Flower
Round Leaf Vine
Cockspur Thorn
Burny Vine
Milk Vine
Native Jasmine
Pomegranate Vine
Wonga Vine
Silk Pod
Pepper Vine
Native Raspberry
Lawyer vine
Snake Vine
Bearded Tylophora
Ziera Granulata – Endangered Species found in the Tangalla
Community
Plant profiles:
Weed and Native
look-alikes
Native
Commelina
Commelina cyanea
Native
Anelima
Anelima biflora
Weed
Trad
Tradescantia flumenensis
Native
Indian Weed
Sigesbeckia orientalis
Weed
Cobblers Peg
Bidens pilosa
Weed
Mist Flower
Ageratina riparia
Native
Knot Weed
Persicaria spp.
Weed
Ink Weed
Phytolacca octandra
Native
Milk Vine
Marsdenia rostrata
Weed
Moth Vine
Araujia sericifera
Moth Vine or Milk Vine ?
Native
Weed
Stinging Tree
Tobacco Bush
Dendrocnide exelsa
Solanum mauritianum
Native
Weed
Native Raspberry
Blackberry
Rubus parvifolius
Rubus fruticosis
The Tangalla community working
together to achieve the best outcomes for
our farming landscapes and our scarce
natural resources
This Folio was produced for the landholders of the Tangalla Community, with funding
from the Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country Business Plan 2011 initiative.
Many thanks to Landcare Illawarra and Conservation Volunteers Australia for their
continued support, volunteer contribution and advice, in particular, Richard
Scarborough.
Many thanks to all those who volunteered their time to help us improve conservation
outcomes in our community.
All photos and text supplied by Erin Lake and Lynne Strong except those referenced
below.
Many thanks to the residents of the Tangalla community for their continued support of
positive natural resource management actions and outcomes.
Photo credits: Persicaria flower (p 37) www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au; Blackberry (p 43) www.southeastweeds.org.au
A productive community partnerships project