2016 Science Forum Outcomes Report
Sustainability in social-ecological systems: The case of the Winton Wetlands – Luisa Perez-Mujica School of Environmental Sciences Charles Sturt University
Carp control and carp virus update
Climate Change threats and adaptation at the Hunter Wetlands Centre
Identifying the most effective approaches for establishing Cane Grass (Eragrostris infecunda) in wetlands restoration Daniel Richter-Martin, Masters of Forest Ecosystem Science candidate, University of Melbourne
Friends, Frogs and Fishes Project – Friends of Winton Wetlands
Seven ‘Es’ of an Effective Wetland Centre – Dr Stuart Blanch CEO Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia
Winton Wetlands Research Seminar – Andrew White (An examination of the impact of long term flooding on the seedbank potential of a freshwater meadow dominated by E. camaldulensis)
Wetland Vegetation Recovery – Jane Roberts
How seedbanks save the day – Michelle Casanova, Federation University Ballarat
Learning together – Catherine Allan
Press Release:
The restoration of the 8,750 hectare Wetlands is a project of national scientific significance and is the largest wetland restoration project in the Southern Hemisphere.
Plans are well under way for the 2nd Winton Wetlands Restoration Science Forum which is set to take place on August 16th and 17th at the Mokoan Hub.
During the two day forum, a number of eminent scientists, student researchers and key stakeholders will explore the theme of ‘Wetlands in Catchments: A Landscape Perspective’, with a view to assisting scientists and managers in gaining data for management of the Winton Wetlands site.
Event organiser and Winton Wetlands Restoration Scientist, Lance Lloyd says, ‘There is a lot we do know about this site but there is even more we don’t know. Our first science forum last year was a great opportunity to discuss what we need to research and how that information will be of use to us in the future. This year we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the Wetland’s ecosystem functioning as well as to foster broader interest in regional wetlands and their ecology, restoration and management.’
A series of speakers who are undertaking management and restoration works in wetlands similar to Winton Wetlands will share updates, recent research findings and learnings in the field. Confirmed key note speakers so far include Neil McCarthy, CEO of North East Catchment Management Authority and Dr. Jane Roberts, a noted wetland ecologist. They will cover such topics as wetlands and parks conservation, cane grass restoration, river red gum regeneration and recruitment, as well as seedbank surveys and carp control.
The jam packed program will also include a field trip in the wetlands, an extensive workshop examining different approaches to wetland restoration management, and a Community Science Event open to anyone who would like to attend.
Dr Dennis O’Brien, Chair of the Winton Wetlands Committee of Management, believes that this event will result in some really positive outcomes. “These are really exciting times. We are lucky to have some very clever people interested in the project and events such as this one will ensure we continue to deliver world-class outcomes for the Winton Wetlands. This is a one-hundred year project so it is essential that we get the planning right at this early stage and an annual science forum is certainly going to assist us in doing that,” continues Dr O’Brien.
When: Day 1 – 9.30am to 5pm, Tuesday, 16th August 2016 – Day 2 – 9am to 3pm, Wednesday, 17th August 2016
Where: Mokoan Hub at Winton Wetlands, 652 Lake Mokoan Road, Winton North.
Spaces are limited so anyone interested in attending is encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be booked through www.wintonwetlands.org.au.
ENDS
Further information: please contact Alison Ballard on 0437 215 653
