KEQ : To what extent has LDC contributed to improved pollutant loads The measure reported for this KEQ is the estimated fine sediment and particulate nutrient reduction at multiple scales – the whole BBB catchment , BBB sub catchments and individual projects . A combination of monitoring and modelling data is used , specifically :
• BBB Catchment and sub-catchment scale : - Source Catchments modelled output ; - Alluvium / Great Barrier Reef Foundation ( GBRF ) pollutant reduction modelling tool ; - Community water quality monitoring results ; - Paddock to Reef ( P2R ) Program sub catchment monitoring sites at Myuna and Strathalbyn .
• Project specific : - Alluvium / GBRF pollutant reduction modelling tool assessment based on areas and practices and efficacy data for grazing land management project ; - Gully toolbox for landscape remediation sites ; and - Specific CSIRO monitoring data for large scale sites as indicative values .
3.3.2
Gully remediation KEQ : To what extent have major gullies been remediated ?
• Project statistics for each site including : Project areas , description of on ground works .
• Vegetation condition : Vegetation condition is assessed at all gully remediation sites . Key indicators include vegetation cover ( pre- and post-treatment ), plant percent basal area and percent litter .
• Water quality outcomes : Five sites were instrumented with water quality monitoring equipment to evaluation the effectiveness of the gully treatments ( Havilah site baseline monitoring only ). Parameters measured include total suspended sediment , total nitrogen , particulate nitrogen and particulate phosphorus concentrations in runoff water . Particle size is also assessed .
• Grazing land management wire and water ( GLM WW ): Property managers made practice changes related to grazing duration and / or paddock sizes for increased rest and recovery with the intent of increasing ground cover by the end of the dry season . This was often supported with investment in additional fencing ( wire ), pipes , troughs and tanks ( water ).
• Revegetation : Active steps towards improving ground cover often with mechanical assistance that may include such activities as ripping , seeding , fertilising and / or irrigating .
• Grader Projects : 20 machinery hours along property roads and tracks with erosion-preventing whoa boys .
• Erosion control : Activities to reduce erosion that are not linked to a defined gully or road / track , often on an area of scalded or ‘ at risk ’ location with little to no groundcover . A variety of interventions / trials were undertaken by landholders .
• Streambank management : Land manager practice changes that directly ( where work is carried out on the streambank itself ) or indirectly ( if work is carried out close in proximity to a streambank ) will lead to improved water quality . Note : During the LDC Project , streambank works were mostly indirect .
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