From Fire to Flood: Lessons Learnt from a Nature-based Rehabilitation Strategy After 22 years at Stockyard Creek (#13)
Rhiannon M Hughes
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- Soil Conservation Service, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
- The study reach is an example of a successful long-term nature-based rehabilitation strategy including 23 engineered log jams and native riparian vegetation. Little is known about the long-term longevity of these methods in an Australian setting and following natural disasters. The project also looked to answer questions as to how we support landholders to manage established long-term river management strategies with the threat of natural disasters.
- An engineered log jam condition assessment was undertaken by Daley and Brooks in 2013, including collection of key parameters such as vegetation structure, level of decay, structure performance and geomorphic impact. This assessment was repeated for the 2022 inspection to record the change in the study reach through time. The landholder was also consulted regarding their experiences, observation and concerns for management following the Black Summer Bushfires and 2021-2022 Floods.
- The outcomes of the assessment suggest the ELJs have now become somewhat redundant in performing their bed stability function due to bushfire impacts, however their function has been largely replicated by the stabilisation of vegetation on and around the structures as well as throughout the riparian zone. Natural bed controls are now evident within the reach with natural wood recruitment now taking over as the primary means of wood input to the creek. The reach at Stockyard Creek has passed a turning point and is on a pathway to recovery.
- The insights and outcomes of this project can be used to support landholders and government agencies to better implement nature-based strategies to build more resilient river systems.
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