December 2019
Stories, News & Events from the District
Wishing You a Very Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year!
It's been a big year for us here at the LCDC but we couldn't have done it without your support, so a big THANK YOU to you all ... for participating in our events & projects, & for being proactive in caring for your part of this beautiful & unique corner of Australia.
2019 Annual General Meeting

 The final full Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee meeting for the year and the 2019 AGM were held earlier this month at the Karridale Tavern.  

Our Executive Officer, Jo Wren, gave a round up of the year - so much achieved with projects, workshops, events, information services/resources and connections within the district all working toward a more sustainable agriculture community. See the full presentation here .

Congratulations and thanks to reappointed Chairperson Tim Crimp , reappointed Treasurer Bruce Hamilton and newly appointed Deputy Chairperson Lisa Chandler . Many thanks also for the help and support of our outgoing Deputy Chairperson Barbara Dunnet , who will remain on the LCDC committee.

We’re looking forward to a productive 2020!
Projects
Reminder - Time to Plan for Blackberry Control!
Blackberry's biological weak link for established plants is during its fruiting & flowering season (November to April), & at the seedling stage for new plants (September to December)..so if you haven't started yet it is definitely time to get organised. 

Find out more about this prickly problem here . 

WE CAN HELP! Landholders along the catchment waterways are eligible for a 50% funding incentive for blackberry control works along the riparian zone and associated bushland, with the LCDC coordinating the works.
Biodiversity
WA's Native Vegetation - Have Your Say
The McGowan Government is developing four initiatives to improve consistency, transparency
and quality of information which will enable better management of our State’s native vegetation.

The initiatives are outlined in an issues paper for public consultation, Native Vegetation in Western Australia. 

Consultation will be open for 12 weeks until 10 February 2020. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation are seeking feedback online and via community consultation workshops in Perth and regional locations. 
 
To learn more, have your say or sign up to their mailing list, visit the website , or contact DWER at nvs@dwer.wa.gov.au, or call 08 6364 7000. 
In the Know!
Eyes in the sky watching for native vegetation clearing
Since 2017, two polar-orbiting satellites have been capturing images over Western Australia every five days, allowing the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) to rapidly detect and evaluate changes in vegetation cover.

Where clearing is detected, the information is checked against DWER's clearing permit system to ensure it is authorised, and that it has been undertaken within the specific area and limits set.

DWER has convened a technical working group of experts from across government, to identify practical steps to improve the State's information base for native vegetation.

The group is exploring how best to build on the State Government's use of satellite technology in monitoring other environmental issues... read more

More information about the Sentinel 2 satellite imagery can be found here .
Check out the video for a quick start to viewing Sentinel-2 satellite images.
TransFARMation: keys to transforming the way you farm
With 2020 just around the corner many of you may be thinking about moving to a 'soils first' approach to the way you farm..perhaps you can't get your head around how to go about it, or perhaps you are worried about the transition?

In this YouTube presentation, Kim Deans , a Regenerative Agriculture Coach with Integrity Soils , shares the transformative process she uses to work with farmers to help them create enjoyable, profitable businesses through restoring soil health...it's well worth taking an hour's break and watching.

..& more from Integrity Soils - in last month's enews we included Founder Nicole Masters new book - " For the Love of Soil" . For those of you who fall into bed at the end of the night with little time left to read (i.e. most of us!), the audiobook for "For the Love of Soil" is now out.

It is currently available on Google Play, Apple and Scribd. and yes, it is narrated by the author, with a NZ accent, except for the word aluminium, which was pronounced "aluminum," go figure!

The Audiobook companion, which includes tables and diagrams in the book is available for download here ..you can read it for free if you take advantage of the free 30 day offer on Scribd
(Source: Integrity Soils)
Upcoming Events
Where? Big Valley Campsite - 46 Boronia Rd, Rosa Glen WA 6285.
When? Monday February 10th 2020, 9.00am to 4.00pm
Cost? $100/participant
Catering? Morning tea & a cut lunch will be provided.
OR CONTACT: Kate Tarrant, Communications Officer
T. 9758 4021 | M. 0409203056 | E. kate.tarrant@lowerblackwood.com.au  
A 1 Day Workshop & Field Walk
REGENERATIVE GRAZING TO INCREASE SOIL HEALTH & PROFITABILITY
Curious about transitioning to a low risk, low cost system of grazing that increases soil health and still delivers profits?
 
This workshop is a warts and all look at Regenerative Grazing led by Graeme Hand , farmer and Holistic Management educator.
 
Topics discussed will include:
·      animal health and performance,
·      pasture pests and weeds,
·      reducing fertiliser requirements,
·      improving water infiltration,
·      eliminating erosion,
·      regenerating perennial grasses and
·      boosting soil biology

The Field Walk component of the day will demonstrate to participants how to gauge grass recovery period and stock density that regenerates grass pastures on your farm.
 
This event is proudly supported by:
Save the Date!
LCDC's Next Talkin After Hours Event
What? Topic to be announced

Where? Lower Blackwood LCDC Office, 403 Kudardup Road, Kudardup

When? Thursday February 13th, 4.30pm to 6.30pm ore details coming soon!
Other Events You Might Want To Attend
Presented by the Country Women's Association of WA & the Rosa Glen & Withcliffe CWAs, in this workshop you will:
  • Discover the importance of native bees in our environment.
  • Find out how to attract native bees to your garden (the bonuses are beautiful diverse flowers & more productive fruit & veg!).
  • Create an upcycled NATIVE BEE HOTEL for your garden - more bee-friendly & successful than the ones in shops!


Where? Held outside at the Rosa Glen CWA Rooms: Corner Lucas and Rosa Glen Rds, Rosa Glen
When? Wednesday January 15th, 2.00pm to 3.30pm
Cost? $10
How? C all or e-mail Jessica: 9757 5156, jessica@firetail.com.au
Soil constraints to pasture production in South West WA


An interactive seminar to share information on the prevalence of soil constraints and how they can be addressed.


Where? TBC Bussleton/Donnybrook
When? February 27th, 1.30pm to 5.00pm
How? Registrations essential, contact Jeisane Accioly at jeisane.alis@gmail.com or call on 0403 327 217
We know there is such a wealth of knowledge & experience out there amoungst all of you..so..
If you have a great story, just read a great book, tried a brilliant a piece of new technology, or any other piece of news that you think the rest of the Lower Blackwood Catchment community will want to know about then please share!

Contact Kate on 0409 203056 or email kate.tarrant@lowerblackwood.com.au  
Like us on Facebook!
If you haven't already then like us on Facebook and share our page with friends. It's the very best way to keep up to date with what's going on at the Lower Blackwood LCDC!
Lower Blackwood LCDC | 9758 4021 | kate.tarrant@lowerblackwood.com.au | www.lowerblackwood.com.au