Landholders as Stewards
Getting Involved
Conservation activities have much in common with good farming practices. Both rely on an understanding of the importance of healthy soils and systems for productivity. Both work to limit the threat of weeds, feral animals and wildfires and the devastating impact they can wreak on the landscape. Increasingly both are working together, mindful of the need for a healthy bottom line for farmers and a landscape supporting the perseverance of natural heritage.
Voluntary efforts by individual landholders are a key feature of the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative. If you manage your property in a way that is sympathetic to local and migratory flora and fauna you can contribute an important link in the conservation chain.
How Does the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative Support Landholders?
Regional Facilitators help with a range of services for landholders in priority areas, including:
- supplying advice and assistance regarding grants and stewardship payments, including taxation concessions
- helping to connect you with local conservation networks or organisations
- helping you to gain information about the biodiversity values of your property
- aiding educational and networking opportunities such as land management field days.
Facilitators can also support conservation activity by providing information on mechanisms such as:
- voluntary conservation or wildlife conservation agreements with the New South Wales Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water
- Nature Conservation Trust conservation covenant agreements
- catchment management authority incentive programs such as fencing off riverine environments and remnant native vegetation
- Greening Australia programs including 'Under New Management' and 'Whole of Paddock Restoration'.
The benefits of being involved in conservation can include property management planning advice, biodiversity surveys and property signage.
Landholders Outside Priority Areas
The Great Eastern Ranges Initiative recognises there are many landholders outside priority areas who make great contributions to conservation. We are exploring ways for Great Eastern Ranges landholders to be recognised for contribution they make as land stewards. Please contact us to be added to our interested landholders list and be kept up to date as the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative develops.
