Limestone Coast landholders are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to undertake onground works to help conserve biodiversity while having a primary production co-benefit.

Last year’s Habitat Conservation Grants projects are now complete and the coming years will demonstrate the benefits of native shelterbelts and fencing of private wetlands to increase native plant and animal species diversity.

Limestone Coast residents Robert and Dianne Mignanelli from Reedy Creek used funding for a fencing project that will protect remnant Mallee vegetation on their property.

The area was fenced to keep stock from an area of land so that native plants could rejuvenate.

“The Habitat Conservation grant has enabled us to fence off approx. 17 hectares to support vegetation and provide the chance for native plants to re-establish in the landscape. Fencing off the Mallee vegetation has also assisted us with managing stock,” Mr Mignanelli said.

Mrs Mignanelli said the vegetation that was now protected from grazing will also give their stock a shelterbelt.

Landholders with ideas for future conservation projects are encouraged to check the board’s website www.landscape.sa.gov.au/lc for further information about the grants.

Project ideas that may be considered include fencing to protect wetlands or native vegetation, revegetation projects and planting shelterbelts.

Call the Limestone Coast Landscape Board on 8429 7550 for more information.