At North Barker, our team uses a wide range of methods tailored to different species and habitats, including:

• Dip netting and electro-fishing,
• On water surveys,
• Riparian and wetland vegetation mapping,
• Water quality surveys (testing and monitoring),
• Bioacoustic recorders for frogs and birds,
• Aquatic invertebrate surveys (AusRivAS), and
• Weed surveys for problem species such as willows.

Our rigorous approach means our clients can be confident that their surveys meet best practice and capture the information needed for sound decision-making. The outcomes of our surveys provide clear, practical advice, whether it’s ensuring compliance with legislative requirements, identifying areas of high conservation value, or informing environmental approvals. We able to provide our clients with the following outputs that are designed to give certainty and confidence:

• Natural values assessments and significant impact assessments of aquatic values,
• Threatened species avoidance, mitigation and management protocols (e.g. frogs, fish, crayfish),
• Erosion and sediment control plans,
• Project specific hygiene and working near waterways control plans, and,
• Platypus management plans, including for dam decommissioning and riparian works.

We also undertake ecological monitoring of wetlands to track changes over time, helping build a clear picture of ecosystem health and guide management practices.

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Thousands of Australian native plants are susceptible to PC, with many at risk of extinction due to its impacts. As such, it has been recognised as a ‘Key threatening process’ , with a threat abatement plan developed by the federal department of the environment.

At North Barker, we take a proactive approach to identifying and managing this hidden threat. Our teams conduct broad-scale surveys for the symptoms of PC (i.e. dieback) and to identify PC susceptible species/vegetation. After these initial assessments, we undertake targeted soil sampling at identified ecological monitoring points. We are then able to complete lab-based soil analyses to confirm if PC is present/absent. Based on these results, we work with clients, stakeholders and regulators on the best course of action to ensure the areas with existing infestations are not worsened, and pathogens aren’t introduced to unaffected areas through strict hygienc protocols and management.

For many projects, we have developed tailored hygiene protocols and comprehensive management plans that address project needs while following best practices and meeting legislative requirements. Our industry-leading approach translates into practical and cost-effective solutions for clients, allowing them to move forward with confidence, knowing their projects are designed to minimise impacts and avoid costly setbacks, as well as preventable damage to nature.

While professional management is essential, everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of PC. Simple steps such as cleaning soil from boots, vehicles and equipment (such as walking poles and tent pegs) before moving between sites, sticking to established tracks, and following local signage and hygiene controls all make a big difference. Together, these actions support broader PC management efforts, helping protect Tasmania’s unique ecosystems for generations to come.

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As such, between late 2024 and early 2025, two of Tasmania’s internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands — the Flood Plain Lower Ringarooma River Ramsar Site and the Little Waterhouse Lake Ramsar Site — were the focus of detailed natural values investigations by North Barker.

We investigated the unique terrestrial, aquatic and aerial landscapes of these protected wetlands, focusing on contributing to the existing natural values knowledge base and cross-referencing all findings with potential impacts from the adjacent proposed development. The following were targeted within the Ramsar sites:

• Hydrology
• Geomorphology
• Water quality
• Vegetation
• Flora (terrestrial and aquatic)
• Fauna (including migratory birds and their flyways)

Understanding the terrestrial and aquatic natural values present in Ramsar sites is critical to identifying potential risks and ensuring that any future development nearby avoids and minimises harm to these sensitive areas – as well as contributing knowledge for improved management of the sites.

Both sites support diverse species, vegetation and habitats, many of which are rare or threatened, making them high priorities for conservation planning and targeted management. Our surveys added some new threatened species not previously known within the Ramsar sites, such as Cuscuta tasmanica (golden dodder).

The information gathered on vegetation communities, bird life, aquatic habitats, and other ecological features, provides a valuable baseline for long-term monitoring. Protecting these sites is not only about conserving their biodiversity, but also safeguarding the vital ecosystem services they provide. Through careful environmental impact assessment and ongoing ecological monitoring, the Flood Plain Lower Ringarooma River and Little Waterhouse Lake Ramsar sites can continue to be recognised as living examples of Tasmania’s natural heritage and remain resilient within a multiuse landscape.

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With several Tasmanian ferns listed as threatened under state and federal legislation, accurate identification and field detection are essential for detailed natural values assessment, informing sound environmental management decisions, and ensuring our client’s compliance with environmental legislation.

Led by expert botanists Michael Garrett and Mark Wapstra, the workshop combined classroom and field learning. We began with hands-on practice using pressed specimens and identification keys, refining our techniques to confidently distinguish between species. This meticulous process allowed our team to understand the subtle differences in frond structure, spore arrangement patterns, and other features critical to correct identification.

The second part of the workshop took us into the hills of the central east coast, where we explored rocky outcrops, wet gullies and dry forests, applying our new skills in situ. This immersive approach reinforced the importance of recognising and protecting Tasmania’s fern species, particularly those under threat.

By continuing to invest in specialised internal and external training, North Barker is committed to maintaining the highest standard of ecological expertise. Workshops like this ensure our team remains skilled, informed, and ready to contribute to the protection of Tasmania’s remarkable natural heritage (as well as providing an opportunity for the team to express their Pteridomania).

North Barker would like to extend a special thanks to Mike Garrett and Mark Wapstra for generously sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm, which made this botanical training workshop both informative and inspiring.

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During development assessment surveys in the summer of 2019/20, staff of North Barker were delighted to discover thousands of plants of the elusive mousetail occurring in ephemeral wet soaks within highland treeless habitats. Through collaboration with the Tasmanian Seed Conservation Centre, a collection of seeds were secured, which the TSCC have since used for growth and germination trials and which will be the basis of a seed orchard to develop a collection for the seed bank. The discovery has thus added substantially to the knowledge and conservation status of the species in Tasmania.

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Within Tasmania, Senecio longipilus was previously known only from a collection near Perth on the South Esk River (mid to late 1800s) and near Kingston in 1929, and Senecio extensus only from a single collection at Mackenzie Tiers from 1984.

Both species were immediately nominated for listing on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (both previously unlisted), with S. longipilus accepted for listing as vulnerable and S. extensus as endangered.

A subsequent publication detailing the rediscoveries and collection histories has been accepted and is in press with the Tasmanian Naturalist (Wapstra, Daniels and White, 2021).

The post Two fireweeds back from the dead: the rediscovery of Senecio longipilus and Senecio extensus from the Tasmanian Central Highlands appeared first on North Barker Ecosystem Services.