15 AUG 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
Tamar NRM is pleased to announce the upcoming Besom Heath Field Days at Bridgenorth, an event aimed at landholders in the area who may be impacted by the invasive weed, besom heath.
Event Details
· Dates: Thursday, August 17th, and Saturday, August 19th, 2023
· Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
· Location: Bridgnorth Football Club, Bridgenorth Rosevale, Tasmania
· Register online: at https://www.tamarnrm.com.au/events
Made possible by funding from the Tasmanian Government's $5 million Weeds Action Fund, the Besom Heath Eradication Project is making significant strides in combating this introduced species from Europe.
The Bridgenorth Rosevale area holds the only known infestation of besom heath in Australia, making this project a national and global pioneering effort.
The upcoming Field Days will explain how to identify Besom Heath and best manage it, with key information from the Projects’ herbicide trial that helped to inform a Best Practice Manual to be shared at upcoming Field Days.
Project Manager Denis Giasli explained that understanding the extent of the Besom Heath infestation is essential for successful eradication. Building upon survey work conducted in 2015, additional survey work engaged local property owners, focussing on private and public land around Pipers Lagoon and Grassy Hut Tier.
‘Thanks to the cooperation of landholders, additional areas of interest have been identified, providing us with a more thorough understanding of the level of infestation, and new areas to be targeted by the project,’ said Denis.
The project will now step up its efforts to work with landowners to develop site-specific weed management plans, offering funding up to $500 for on-ground works and free use of Tamar NRM’s spray trailer.
Join Tamar NRM and the Besom Heath Project Team at the upcoming Field Days to play a vital role in safeguarding our precious environment from the threat of besom heath.
To obtain more information about the project, please contact:
· Anthony Randall, Besom Heath Field Officer: Phone: 0400904131, Email: besomheath@tamarnrm.com.au
· Denis Giasli, Besom Heath Project Manager: Phone: 0467 554 772, Email: denisgiasli@gmail.com
The Tamar NRM team extends their appreciation to all cooperating landowners, whose cooperation is crucial in eradicating besom heath in the affected Bridgenorth Rosevale area. Together, they are laying the groundwork for a healthier and more resilient environment.
Note: For media inquiries and interview opportunities with project representatives, please contact Tamar NRM Program Coordinator Nick Flittner on 0409 343 669 or nick.flittner@tamarnrm.com.au
