Conservation gets back to basics

Conservation gets back to basics

Eleven projects across the region have been selected to receive funding through the Grassroots Grants program. The Limestone Coast Landscape Board received a high level of interest from community organisations in relation to the grants, aimed at local projects that contribute to improved management of the environment.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the State Government’s Landscape SA legislation was a historic reform of approaching natural resources management in SA. “It’s all about a back-to-basics approach and giving local communities a greater say in how we manage our natural environment,” he said.

“The Grassroots Grants could be used to kickstart a new project or build upon an existing one for activities such as weed treatment, pest or disease management, fencing, erosion management, revegetation and community education activities.”

Limestone Coast Landscape Board Chair Penny Schulz was pleased with the wide range of applications received. “We were excited to see a diverse range of applications submitted for the 2021/22 round of grants that support board priorities such as working collaboratively to manage our pest plants and animals, growing sustainable primary production and protecting and balancing our region’s water resources,” she said. “The LC Landscape Board is looking forward to seeing the drive and determination of the successful applicants to get these projects off the ground.”

Ms Schulz said, after much deliberation, the board decided to fund projects that supported management of the Limestone Coast landscape. “These projects will make an impact on some challenging issues the region is facing,” she said. “The selected projects cover topics that community organisations have identified as important pieces of work and we believe are very deserving of levy funding.”

Port MacDonnell Landcare representative Peter Feast said the group’s successful ‘SpringCare’ project had been able to monitor the quality of groundwater flowing through karst rising springs in the very south of the region. “The Grassroots Grant funding has made it possible for us to analyse the nutrients and other chemicals present in the groundwater that we just cannot see,” he said.

“It’s important to be watchful for rising levels of potentially harmful elements to help conserve and protect these fragile ecosystems. “The group is grateful to the Limestone Coast Landscape Board for providing the funding for this valuable citizen science project.”

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