Comaum NFRs - ForestrySA

Final Plan – August 2001
Document Code: NFR003
SOUTH EAST REGION
THE COMAUM NATIVE FOREST RESERVES
WOMBAT FLAT NATIVE FOREST RESERVE
COMAUM NATIVE FOREST RESERVE
BOOLARA NATIVE FOREST RESERVE
FINAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Issued: 17/12/2007
Next Review: 01/11/2012

CONTENTS
FOREWORD
1. PURPOSE, LEGAL DESIGNATION, PLANNING AND PROTECTION
1.1 The Comaum Native Forest Reserves
1.1.1 Statement of Purpose
1.1.2 Significant Values
1.1.3 Location and access
1.1.4 Administration
1.2 Land Tenure
1.3 Planning
1.4 Native Forest Management, Policy and Philosophy
1.5 Legislative Protection of Flora and Fauna
1.5.1 Forestry Act 1950
1.5.2 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972
1.5.3 Native Vegetation Act 1991
2. NATURAL RESOURCES
2.1 Climate
2.2 Physical Environment
2.2.1 Regional Geology and Soil Parent Material
2.2.2 Local Geology
2.2.3 Soils
2.2.4 Hydrology
2.3 Petroleum and Mining Resources
2.3.1 Petroleum and Mining Acts.
2.4 Biological Environment
2.4.1 Vegetation
2.4.2 Fauna
3. LAND USE
3.1 History
3.1.1 Acquisition and Name
3.2 Historical Impacts
3.2.1 Grazing
3.2.2 Timber Production
3.2.3 Wildfire
3.2.4 Prescribed Burning
3.2.5 Other Impacts
3.2.6 Exotic plants and animals
Final Plan – August 2001
3

3.3 Current Uses
3.3.1 Conservation
3.3.2 Community Use
3.4 Adjacent Land Use
4. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
4.1 Native Forest Management Philosophies
4.2 Long-term Management Objectives For Native Forest Reserves
4.2.1 Conservation Management
4.2.2 Community Use
4.2.3 Protection
4.2.4 Rehabilitation
5. FIVE YEAR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
5.1 Conservation Management
5.2 Community Use
5.3 Protection
6. NATURAL RESOURCE DATA
7. APPENDICES
REFERENCES
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Final Plan – August 2001
4

1. Purpose, Legal Designation, Planning and Protection
1.1 The Comaum Native Forest Reserves
1.1.1 Statement of Purpose
5
The Comaum Native Forest Reserves will be managed and protected to maintain and
enhance their bio-diversity as an enduring and dynamic ecosystem.
1.1.2 Significant Values
The Biodiversity Plan for the South East of South Australia acknowledges that
ForestrySA manages the largest area of remnant native vegetation in the Lower
South East containing populations of plant and animal species, and plant
communities of high conservation significance at the State and Regional level. The
Comaum Native Forest Reserves contain five of these remnants contributing to this
Region’s bio-diversity.
The following criteria have been used to determine the conservation and cultural
values of The Comaum Native Forest Reserves:
Conservation Values
The three Native Forest Reserves included in this management plan are Wombat
Flat, Comaum and Boolara. Their areas range from 84 to 157 hectares. Their
total area is 392.1 hectares adding significantly to the conservation of bio-diversity
in the Comaum district.
Wombat Flat Native Forest Reserve (151 hectares) is linked to Deadmans Swamp
NFR (550 hectares) by the Glenroy Conservation Park (541 hectares). These
Reserves together with local government and privately owned native vegetation
which adjoin Wombat Flat NFR provide an aggregated area of about 1500
hectares managed for conservation.
Their physical environment is similar consisting of aeolian sand dunes and flats
with some minor occurrences of exposed calcarenite dune crests and associated
terra rossa soils. The low lying sand flats are subject to water logging during
winter and spring in years of normal rainfall.
Soil type, depth and moisture regime influence the biological environment which is
dominated by one or more of the six eucalypt species growing in these Reserves
viz. Eucalyptus baxteri, E.camaldulensis, E.fasciculosa, E.leucoxylon, E.ovata
and E. viminalis ssp. cygnetensis.
A total of 252 native plant species have been recorded for these Reserves to date.
Of these 53 have a conservation status of Uncommon or higher rating for the
South East Region of South Australia.
Final Plan – August 2001

6
These Reserves provide suitable habitat for native animals including the Common
Wombat, Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Sugar Glider rated as Rare.
The Endangered Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo feeds on Brown Stringy-bark fruit in
these Reserves.
The presence of ten native mammal species recorded to date indicates that these
Reserves have a healthy and diverse habitat of sufficient area to maintain viable
populations of these species.
Cultural Values
Flint flakes exposed on the slopes near a former swamp in the Wombat Flat NFR
indicate previous occupation of these areas by Aboriginal people.
1.1.3 Location and Access
Location
The Comaum Native Forest Reserves include three individual Reserves containing a
total of 392.1 hectares located about 20 kilometres north of Penola (Figures 1and 2.1
– 2.3). The Reserves are shown as natural vegetation, but not named, on the SA
Department for Environment and Heritage 1:50,000 Topographic Maps “Struan”
7023-1 and “Penola” 7023-2 (See Table 1 for cadastral locations).
The Reserves are sub-divided into compartments by fire-breaks and access tracks
for management purposes (Figure 3.1 – 3.3).
Table 1. Cadastral locations – Hundred of Comaum
Reserve Area (ha.) Section District Council
Wombat Flat 151.1 Pt Secs 273, 316,317,318 Wattle Range
Comaum 157.0 Pt Secs 247,248 Wattle Range
Boolara 84.0 Pt Secs 243,245 Wattle Range
TOTAL 392.1
Foot Access
Foot access to all areas is unrestricted during daylight hours except on days when a
Total Fire Ban is imposed or where erected signs or notices restrict access to specific
areas.
Vehicle Access
Access to individual areas within The Comaum Native Forest Reserves is by
improved and unimproved public roads, forest tracks and firebreaks. Vehicle access
to and through the area may be restricted by seasonal wet soil or dry loose sand in
parts.
Vehicular access by the public may be restricted by provision of the Regulations
under the Forestry Act, 1950.
Final Plan – August 2001

6
These Reserves provide suitable habitat for native animals including the Common
Wombat, Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Sugar Glider rated as Rare.
The Endangered Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo feeds on Brown Stringy-bark fruit in
these Reserves.
The presence of ten native mammal species recorded to date indicates that these
Reserves have a healthy and diverse habitat of sufficient area to maintain viable
populations of these species.
Cultural Values
Flint flakes exposed on the slopes near a former swamp in the Wombat Flat NFR
indicate previous occupation of these areas by Aboriginal people.
1.1.3 Location and Access
Location
The Comaum Native Forest Reserves include three individual Reserves containing a
total of 392.1 hectares located about 20 kilometres north of Penola (Figures 1and 2.1
– 2.3). The Reserves are shown as natural vegetation, but not named, on the SA
Department for Environment and Heritage 1:50,000 Topographic Maps “Struan”
7023-1 and “Penola” 7023-2 (See Table 1 for cadastral locations).
The Reserves are sub-divided into compartments by fire-breaks and access tracks
for management purposes (Figure 3.1 – 3.3).
Table 1. Cadastral locations – Hundred of Comaum
Reserve Area (ha.) Section District Council
Wombat Flat 151.1 Pt Secs 273, 316,317,318 Wattle Range
Comaum 157.0 Pt Secs 247,248 Wattle Range
Boolara 84.0 Pt Secs 243,245 Wattle Range
TOTAL 392.1
Foot Access
Foot access to all areas is unrestricted during daylight hours except on days when a
Total Fire Ban is imposed or where erected signs or notices restrict access to specific
areas.
Vehicle Access
Access to individual areas within The Comaum Native Forest Reserves is by
improved and unimproved public roads, forest tracks and firebreaks. Vehicle access
to and through the area may be restricted by seasonal wet soil or dry loose sand in
parts.
Vehicular access by the public may be restricted by provision of the Regulations
under the Forestry Act, 1950.
Final Plan – August 2001

1.1.4 Administration
The Native Forest Reserves are managed by ForestrySA. The address is
ForestrySA, Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier.
All permits for access and approved activities are issued from this office.
1.2 Land Tenure
7
The Comaum NFRs are gazetted as Native Forest Reserves under the Forestry Act
1950.
ForestrySA 1 , Department for Administration and Information Services, is responsible
for the management of gazetted Forest Reserves which total 126,000 hectares in
South Australia.
Approximately 20,500 hectares of this land is native forest, woodland or enclosed
wetland, located in the Southern Flinders Ranges (4,000 hectares), the Mount Lofty
Ranges (4,400 hectares) and the Lower South East of South Australia (12,000
hectares).
1.3 Planning
Land managed by ForestrySA is zoned to define areas that are to be managed for
commercial forestry or for conservation.
Specific Native Forest Management Plans are prepared for each of the larger areas
designated for conservation due to their ecological importance. The Comaum Native
Forest Reserves includes five of these areas.
Community use of Forest Reserves is not restricted to specific areas but determined
according to compatibility and impact on other land uses. Planning for community use
covers both commercial plantation forest and native forest areas. Community use
considerations specific to individual areas of native forest are included in the
respective Native Forest Management Plans.
Fire prevention considerations for areas of native forest are outlined in the Local
Government "District Bush Fire Prevention Plan", a requirement of the Country Fires
Act 1989. Further detail is provided in Section 5.3.1 Five Year Management
Program.
1.4 Native Forest Management, Policy and Philosophy
ForestrySA manages some of the few remnant areas of native forest and woodland
predominantly in the higher rainfall areas of South Australia, together with their
associated fauna. These areas contribute significantly to the natural assets of the
State and have been managed as Forest Reserves under the Forestry Act for 50 or
more years by ForestrySA, formerly the Woods and Forests Department, which was
established in 1882.
1 ForestrySA formerly known as Primary Industries Forestry and the Woods and Forests Department
Final Plan – August 2001

ForestrySA's primary management objective for areas of native forest under its
management control is to conserve and enhance the native flora and fauna and
preserve bio-diversity, for the long-term benefit of the South Australian community.
8
The native vegetation managed by ForestrySA occurs mainly as isolated fragments.
Prior to the early 1950s most areas were disturbed by timber cutting, grazing, fire and
invasion by introduced plants. Since then, most of these areas have remained
relatively undisturbed.
Compared with other remnant areas of native vegetation in South Australia those
managed by ForestrySA are often the least disturbed due to their long history of
consistent land tenure.
Areas of native vegetation may require specific management prescriptions to achieve
conservation objectives depending upon their disturbances histories. These may
include:-
total protection of areas and/or parts of areas from any further disturbances eg.
weed invasions, grazing, pest animals;
protection from bushfires;
restricting public access;
rehabilitation of the over-storey or the understorey vegetation;
re-introduction of selected species of flora and fauna;
ecosystem management by the use of prescribed fire.
1.5 Legislative Protection of Flora and Fauna
1.5.1 Forestry Act 1950
The Forestry Act provides for the declaration of Native Forest Reserves for the
purpose of conserving native flora and fauna.
Regulations under this Act enable enforcement of measures to protect Native Forest
Reserves.
The Act states in respect to Forest Reserves and Native Forest Reserves that :-
3. (1) The Governor may by proclamation
(b) for the purposes relating to the conservation, development and management
of land supporting native flora and fauna, declare a forest reserve, or part of a
forest reserve, to be a native forest reserve;
Final Plan – August 2001

9
3. (2) A proclamation declaring a forest reserve or part of a forest reserve to be
native forest reserve shall contain a statement of the purposes for which the
native forest reserve is established.
9.A Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Minister shall manage a
native forest reserve having regard to the purposes for which it was
established and shall endeavour to ensure that no operations are undertaken
on the reserve that are inconsistent with those purposes.
1.5.2 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972
The object of this Act is to provide legislative framework for the management and
protection of native plants and animals throughout South Australia.
For any activity that involves the removal or capture of native plants or animals,
permits must be obtained from both the Department of Environment and Heritage
and ForestrySA.
For any activity that involves hunting, permits must be obtained from the Department
of Environment and Heritage, and prior written approval must be obtained from
ForestrySA.
1.5.3 Native Vegetation Act 1991
The object of this Act is to control clearance and to facilitate and assist management
of native vegetation in South Australia.
Under the Act, in most circumstances, a range of activities defined as clearing may
not occur without the prior consent of the Native Vegetation Council (Sections 27 to
29). This includes the prescribed use of fire or selective cutting of trees for restoration
purposes. Both of these activities may be approved as part of a management plan
and compliance with this is mandatory.
2. NATURAL RESOURCES
2.1 Climate
The area has a typical Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and cool wet
winters.
The following mean temperature and rainfall records were obtained from the Bureau
of Meteorology – Climate Averages for the Struan Research Centre which is located
20 kilometres north-west of these Reserves.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yr.
Mean Max ( C) 27.3 27.9 25.6 20.9 17.7 14.1 14.1 14.9 16.4 19.7 22.5 26.4 18.9
Mean Min ( C) 10.6 10.6 10.9 8.5 7.7 5.4 4.8 5.4 6.2 7.7 7.9 10.9 7.5
Mean Rainfall 27 11 26 38 52 69 88 77 62 51 38 28 566
(mm)
Mean No. Rain
Days
Final Plan – August 2001
6 5 8 12 16 18 21 21 18 14 11 9 159

Average monthly rainfall recorded at the former Comaum Forest Reserve
Headquarters from 1954 to 1985 is as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yr.
24 23 32 49 64 64 87 82 66 50 44 30 610
10
Average annual rainfall for these Reserves based on the preceding information and
the isohyet map for the region is estimated to be in the range from 600 to 650 mm.
2.2 Physical Environment
2.2.1 Regional Geology and Soil Parent Material
The geological evolution of the South East Region of SA is closely related to the
separation of the Australian and Antarctic Continents, formerly parts of the
super-continent Gondwana, beginning about 150 million years ago. Sequences of
terrestrial, riverine-deltaic and marine sediments, characteristic of fluctuating sea
levels, were laid down in the resultant depression now known as the Otway Basin.
The western most portion that underlies the region in SA is known as the Gambier
Embayment.
Flooding of the Gambier Embayment, associated with a warm temperate climate
during the Miocene period, provided conditions for the deposition of bryozoal
limestone now referred to as Gambier Limestone. Since that time, due to the slow
tectonic uplift of the Gambier Embayment, the low coastal plain gradient, and
glaciation sequences, sea level oscillation has produced variable erosion of the
Gambier Limestone and a series of stranded coastal dunes.
Aeolian sands spread and resorted by wind deflation, and volcanic fissure eruptions
in more recent times have produced additional topographic relief and soil parent
material in a relatively flat relict coastal plain.
A more detailed explanation of the geology and soil parent materials of the region
can be found in the Natural History of the South East, (Tyler et al. 1983).
2.2.2 Local Geology
Wombat Flat NFR is in two sections separated by the narrow zone designated as the
Kanawinka or Naracoorte Fault line. The most recent uplift of the eastern side of the
Kanawinka fault affected the Tertiary marine limestone deposited in the former
Murravian Gulf. This movement allowed Tertiary Naracoorte limestone, which
overlies Mt Gambier limestone, to survive erosion. West of the fault, the upper strata
of Mt Gambier limestone were eroded before the oldest dunes were deposited.
Subsequently, aeolian dunes were deposited, on more than one occasion, which
protected both surfaces of the marine limestone. The current difference in elevation
across the fault line is not great, between 20 – 30m., but the linear trend is strongly
revealed. East of the fault line, general elevation is around 110m.
The ages of the dunes forming the base of the two sections are markedly different.
Wombat Flat East dunes were originally deposited more than 800,000 years BP in
the East Naracoorte Range system, over Naracoorte limestone. The Wombat Flat
West dunes date from 685 000 years BP in the West Naracoorte range system,
deposited on eroded Mt Gambier limestone. Both the East and West Naracoorte
Final Plan – August 2001

11
dune ranges were eroded and younger dunes deposited on them; two sequences
remain on the East Naracoorte range and four have been recognised on the West
Naracoorte range. The dune limestone exposed on the higher points in Wombat Flat
NFR is likely to be from mid-Pleistocene dune remnants. Geologically, most of the
soil cover is derived from leached siliceous sands of the Malanganee Formation. In
Victoria these have been classified as Kowree sand or Richmond sand. Rendzina
swamp soils occur where calcarenite forms the base of depressions.
Minor occurrences of terra rossa soils derived from calcarenite dune limestone are
present in the eastern part of Wombat Flat NFR.
Comaum NFR and Boolara NFR are situated on the West Naracoorte Range system,
deposited close to the margin of the downthrown side of the Kanawinka Fault which
indicates the oldest Pleistocene deposits are around 685 000 years old. Both
reserves have a core structure of calcarenite dune limestone, with a general
elevation of 70-75 and high points up to 90m. Soils have been formed mainly from
aeolian siliceous dune sands. Relatively small areas of terra rossa are present on
dune crests.
Comaum NFR is located on the eastern boundary of an area displaying karst
features including runaway holes (dolines and cenotes). Boolara NFR is in a region
denoted as lacking karst features although still traversed by the West Naracoorte
range, rather than direct contact with Mt Gambier limestone to the north and west.
(Boardman, R 1999).
2.2.3 Soils
Soil surveys prior to purchasing Comaum and Boolara NFRs described six soil types.
Swamp Soil has been formed in an enclosed sandy depression in Compartment A
Wombat Flat NFR. This soil is shallow over limestone, dark grey to black with a high
organic content. Surface water has not been observed in this swamp for over 20
years, the last record of short term flooding being in the late 1950s.
Meadow Podsol, a shallow dark grey or brown surface sand with abundant coarse
pink grains, over clay, occurs on flats subject to seasonal waterlogging in normal
rainfall years.
Humus Podsol, described as shallow brown sands over clay occurs on flats which
may be subject to seasonal water logging or inundation.
Normal Podsol, (a) described as yellow sands with varying depth to clay according to
their elevation on the dune have developed on sites with good drainage.
(b) described as deep grey sands on the dune crests and upper slopes.
Terra rossa, loams and loamy sand transitionals derived from exposed or shallow
calcarenite limestone are limited in extent on some dune crests and upper slopes.
The dune sands on these Reserves have a larger grain size contributing to a more
loose surface than the sands further south. Sand track access during most of the
year is difficult due to the dry unconsolidated nature of the sand.
2.2.4 Hydrology
Final Plan – August 2001

12
Average rainfall for these Reserves is estimated to be within the range 600 – 650 mm
per annum (see Section 2.1 Climate). There are no permanent swamps, surface
streams or active drains in these Reserves. Rainfall is absorbed through the soil to
the water-table which varies from 1 to 30 metres or more depending on the season
and dune surface elevation.
Some minor drains were constructed through the northern part of Comaum NFR to
remove water from pine plantations being established adjacent to that Reserve in
1967 and 1968.
The dry swamp in Cpt A Wombat flat NFR was noted on the original survey drawing
of 1883 as being dry at that time.
2.3 Petroleum and Mining Resources
The south-east of South Australia and western Victoria is a proven petroleum
province referred to as the Otway Basin. There are numerous small natural gas and
carbon dioxide fields in production or in development, both onshore and offshore.
There are also several oil shows/discoveries in exploration wells, some of which may
be commercially viable and be developed.
Petroleum Exploration Licence ( PEL ) 62 exists over a major part of The Comaum
Native Forest Reserves. ( See Appendix III. ) This tenement provides rights to
explore for petroleum beneath the Reserves and adjacent lands. The PEL also
permits the licensee to apply for Petroleum Production Licences in the case of
resource discovery. ( M. Bayly, pers.comm. )
This plan recognises the potential for petroleum and mineral resources to be present
and recoverable beneath these Native Forest Reserves.
2.3.1 Petroleum Act 2000 and Mining Act 1971
These Acts regulate all activities relating to exploration and production. In regard to
flora and fauna, there are requirements to avoid, or where not reasonably practicable,
minimise environmental impacts. In this regard, impacts to native vegetation are
permitted without requirement of consent under the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
2.4 Biological Environment
2.4.1 Vegetation
Brown stringybark dominates these Reserves occurring on a range of sites from deep
sand dune crests and slopes to sand flats. South Australian blue gum, Pink gum,
Manna gum, Swamp gum and River red gum are restricted to smaller areas with
more fertile soils and greater soil water availability.
The under storey may consist of a few species dominated by bracken on the deep
infertile sands, or be a diverse mix of many heath species on the better sandy flats.
The following vegetation associations have been identified and their more common
constituent species listed.
Final Plan – August 2001

13
Eucalyptus baxteri (Brown stringybark) Association
Dune crests and upper slopes E.baxteri occupies large areas of these Reserves on
the deeper normal podsol sands and may occur as pure or mixed stands. Acacia
mearnsii is usually present over shrub and ground flora containing Leptospermum
myrsinoides, Xanthorrhoea caespitosa, Pteridium esculentum, Acacia myrtifolia,
Epacris impressa, Astroloma conostephoides, Leucopogon ericoides, Leucopogon
virgatus, Hibbertia sericea var. sericea and Styphelia adscendens.
Lower slopes and flats The understorey tends to be more diverse on the flats where
bracken is less dominant. E.viminalis ssp. cygnetensis may be present with Acacia
melanoxylon and A.mearnsii over shrub and ground flora containing Banksia
marginata, L.myrsinoides, X.caespitosa, Calytrix tetragona, L.ericoides,
P.esculentum, A.conostephioides, Amperea xiphoclada, H.sericea and Caustis
pentandra.
Eucalyptus fasciculosa (Pink gum) Association
Terra rossa soils on calcarenite dunes E.fasciculosa occupies these elevated sites
with E.leucoxylon, E.viminalis ssp. cygnetensis and A.mearnsii over a more open
shrub and ground storey containing Bursaria spinosa, Dodonaea viscosa ssp.
spatulata, Goodia lotifolia var. lotifolia, A.conostephioides, Astroloma humifusum,
Dianella spp. Thomasia petalocalyx, H.sericea, Acrotriche serrulata, Clematis
microphylla and Danthonia spp.
Sand flats The understorey changes with increased water availability, A.mearnsii may
be present over B.marginata, Leptospermum continentale, X.caespitosa,
C.tetragona, Hakea rugosa, L.ericoides, A.conostephioides, A.humifusum, H.sericea
and Lepidosperma spp.
Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis (Manna gum) Association
The more fertile shallow sands support relatively small areas of this species over
shrub and ground flora containing B.marginata, L.continentale, Allocasuarina
paludosa, C.tetragona, X.caespitosa, A.conostephioides, Isopogon ceratophyllus,
L.ericoides, Hibbertia porstrata, H.sericea and Hypolaena fastigiata.
Eucalyptus ovata (Swamp gum) Association
E.ovata is restricted generally to an area on a poorly drained meadow podsol which
would normally be subject to winter and spring waterlogging. The shrub and ground
flora contains B.marginata, Melaleuca brevifolia, L.continentale, Gahnia trifida,
X.caespitosa, Isolepis nodosa, Lepidosperma concavum, A.conostephioides,
Cassytha glabella and Hydrocotyle spp.
Final Plan – August 2001

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) Association
14
E.camaldulensis is limited to winter swamp margins and wet sand flats subject to
inundation in periods of normal rainfall. All of these sites are dry (September 1999)
following years of below average rain fall and consequent lowered water-tables.
E.viminalis and A.mearnsii can be present over shrub and ground flora containing
B.marginata, L.continentale, A.conostephioides, I.nodosa, Dianella spp., Baumea
juncea, L.concavum and Patersonia fragilis.
A total of 252 native plant species have been recorded for the Comaum NFRs of
which 53 have a conservation status of Uncommon or higher rating for the SE of
South Australia (Table 1, Natural Resource Data).
The Naracoorte- Lucindale Field Naturalists have recommended that Acacia
longifolia be removed as an environmental weed not indigenous to SA and therefor
exempt under the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
2.42 Fauna
Surveys in 1985 detected species from most faunal groups. The surveys were limited
in time and season and therefore not all species present would have been detected.
Lists of species have been compiled from accumulated observations in the area and
are included in the Natural Resource Data (Tables 2 – 5).
Birds
Bird species can be grouped according to their preferred habitat. The presence of
species from many different groups reflects the diversity of habitat that these
Reserves provide.
Eighty-seven species have been recorded for these Reserves including three
introduced species in surveys conducted by ForestrySA, (1985); and ongoing
observations by ForestrySA staff.
Species recorded in a Department for Environment and Heritage survey of Glenroy
Conservation Park in 1997 have been included in the bird list because it is
reasonable to assume that all species apart from those dependant on a water based
environment would use the similar habitat available in these Native Forest Reserves
which adjoin or are in close proximity to Glenroy CP.
(Table 2, Natural Resource Data).
The following species have a South Australian conservation status rating of
Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare.
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo E
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo V
Blue-winged Parrot V
White-bellied cuckoo-shrike R
Black-chinned Honeyeater V
Southern Emu-wren R
Final Plan – August 2001

Mammals
15
Ten native mammal species have been recorded in surveys conducted by
ForestrySA (1984); and from incidental observation by ForestrySA staff (See Table
3, Natural Resource Data).
Of these, four species have a conservation status rating of Rare viz.,
Sugar Glider R
Eastern Grey Kangaroo R
Common Wombat R
Red-necked Wallaby R
These reserves help support a population of common wombats rated as vulnerable in
South Australia. Comaum Forest Annual Reports in the early 1940s refer to the
destruction of these animals which at the time were classed as vermin because they
damaged fencing designed to exclude rabbits from newly established pine
plantations. They are currently under pressure from a mange disease believed to be
carried and spread by foxes.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Seven reptile and four frog species have been recorded in surveys by ForestrySA in
1985 (See Tables 4 & 5, Natural Resource Data.)
3. LAND USE
3.1 History
According to Tindale (1974) Aboriginal people of the Bunganditj tribe occupied the
territory which includes the Comaum Native forest Reserves. Evidence of occupation
sites, in the form of flint flakes from tool making, are exposed in these Reserves on
sand tracks and ploughed fire breaks.
3.1.1 Acquisition and Name
Wombat Flat NFR
Section 317 Hd of Comaum was purchased from the estate of A.S. McElroy
(deceased) in 1937 together with sections 316, 318, 319, 323 and 324 for the
equivalent then of $5.56 per hectare, and was gazetted as Forest Reserve
on14/4/38. Section 273 was purchased from J.G. Gartner in 1939 for $5.93 per
hectare and was gazetted as Forest Reserve on 7/12/39.
This reserve (formerly known as Head Quarters Scrub) takes its name from the
adjoining property which contains an inter-dunal flat (Kanawinka Fault Line) which
historically supported a large population of wombats.
Comaum NFR
Section 247 and 248 together with section 246 were purchased from L.C. Berkin in
1965 for $59 per hectare and were gazetted as Forest Reserve on 24/3/66. This
Final Plan – August 2001

16
Reserve previously known as Berkins takes its name from the Hd of Comaum and its
relative location to the settlement of the same name shown on the 1:50000 map.
Boolara NFR
Sections 243 and 245 were purchased from A.C. and K.M. Alcock in 1971 for $96 per
hectare and were gazetted as Forest Reserve on 2/11/72. This Reserve, formerly
called Alcocks, takes its name from the adjoining private property of the same name
with the Aboriginal meaning ‘ place with Ibis’ and is shown on the 1: 50000 map.
The majority of the area now reserved was described in the original survey diagram
in the late 1800s as ‘mostly white sand-hills and ferns, patches of good grassland,
timbered with Gum, Stringy-bark, Honeysuckle, Shea-oak and Wattles’. Following
purchase for forestry the cleared or partly cleared gum country was established to
pines and the less suitable stringy-bark and fern dunes which were considered only
suitable for Pinus pinaster at the time were retained in their existing state. These
areas were formally set aside for conservation purposes in line with departmental
policy initiated in 1970 to protect all significant areas of native vegetation.
3.2 Historical Impacts
3.2.1 Grazing
The majority of the area now reserved supports Brown stringybark over bracken and
heath type shrub and ground flora. There is and probably was very little palatable
grass or herbage to sustain domestic grazing animals. Apart from the former
headquarters house paddock recently added to Wombat Flat NFR (part Cpt. C) which
has been intensively grazed for over 40 years at time of writing, there has been
negligible modification of the native vegetation by domestic grazing animals since
purchase of these areas by ForestrySA.
3.2.2 Timber Production
Because these Reserves are relatively remote from the larger population centres and
the major industrial users of fuel wood in the 1940s and 1950s, and because the
surrounding districts had extensive natural stands of Red, Blue and Pink gum, the
Stringybark forest would not have been exploited intensively as it was on the ranges
south of Penola and Mt Burr.
Large quantities of Red and Blue gum log cut from land being cleared for pine
plantation establishment were sawn into sleepers and construction timber by private
mills operating in this area. Charcoal production in the 1940s and wattle bark
stripping in the 1950s would have had little impact on these Stringybark Reserves.
However there is anecdotal and physical evidence which suggests that some of the
better trees both gum and stringybark were cut from these areas to produce
construction timber, sleepers, strainers, posts, rails and firewood prior to 1962. The
former owner of Comaum NFR is said to have milled shed construction timber and
shearing shed floor grating from that Reserve.
Hardwood utilisation from Comaum Forest Reserve ceased in 1962. It is now difficult
to determine the impacts of this cutting other than to acknowledge a modification in
age and size due to the removal of large well formed trees.
Final Plan – August 2001

3.2.3 Wildfire
17
According to Comaum Forest Reserve Annual Reports, wild-fires occurred in natural
forest areas in season 1946/47 but the area burnt and the location is not recorded,
and in season 1950/51 when 30 acres were burnt but again the location is not
provided. There is no record of wild-fires occurring in these Reserves in fire reports
that have been maintained for the Region since 1958.
Bob Clayfield (pers. comm. 1999) a land holder and resident of Comaum from 1921,
cannot recall a major wildfire on ForestrySA land from that time.
3.2.4 Prescribed Burning
Prescribed burning of native forest in the Comaum Forest Reserve to reduce fuel
loads and the potential fire intensity adjacent to pine plantations was reported in
1946. From 1959 to 1991 prescribed burning was carried out as scheduled in
working plans with up to 545 hectares being burnt in 1976/77. Burning ceased in
these Reserves in 1992 in accordance with regulations in the Native Vegetation Act
1991 which considers unauthorised burning to be a form of clearing. Burning will
resume when Native Vegetation Council approval is obtained for planned future
operations.
Prescribed Burning Policy
In 1971, in recognition of the conservation value of the native forests and the limited
knowledge of the ecological impact of repeated burning, ForestrySA (then Woods
and Forests Department) developed a prescribed burning policy with the objective of
carrying out low intensity mosaic burning in native forests at intervals of 3 - 8 years.
Some areas were scheduled for longer intervals between burns, and certain areas
were excluded from burning to provide scientific reference (benchmark) areas.
The policy was reviewed in 1985, 1992 and 1998, continuing the emphasis on habitat
management.
The objectives of ForestrySA's current Prescribed Burning Policy which schedules
burning of varying intensity and interval in selected compartments while maintaining
other compartments as unburnt reference areas, is to:
create and maintain floristic and structural diversity
optimise species presence and minimise further local extinctions
reduce wildfire intensities to improve survival and re-colonisation opportunities
protect assets by fuel reduction in limited strategic areas.
The policy recommends alternating prescribed fire intensity from low to high for
consecutive fires in the same compartment. The seasonal timing of the fire, ie,
spring or autumn may also vary depending on assessed vegetation diversity and
development and the requirement for species regeneration.
The minimum interval between burns has been based on the reproductive period of
the major over-storey species Eucalyptus baxteri which has been established to be
about 10 years. The reproductive period is the time necessary for a seedling to
mature to sufficient size to produce its own seed and be able to survive the effects of
Final Plan – August 2001

18
the next scheduled fire. The minimum interval is flexible beyond 10 years such that
scheduled burning will be postponed in drought years if the area to be burnt
represents more than 25% of the Reserve.
The previous fire history of a compartment is considered when planning future
prescribed burning.
The record of known previous prescribed burning is shown in Figures 4.1–3.
Proposed prescribed burning is shown in Figures 5.1–3 and Section 7 Appendix II
subject to ratification by the Native Vegetation Council.
3.2.5 Other Impacts
Establishment of internal tracks defining compartments as they currently exist in the
Wombat Flat NFR was completed in the early 1960s. A refuse dump which
previously serviced the Comaum Forest Reserve Headquarters and staff houses
situated in Cpt. G Wombat Flat NFR was covered over, and the limestone track
leading into it was ripped in 1996 to deter vehicular access.
On site evidence of previous cultivation supports local narrative of oat crops grown
on the now dry swamp in Cpt A in this Reserve.
The internal tracks within Comaum and Boolara NFRs were established to facilitate
fire management shortly after their purchase in 1965 and 1971 respectively.
3.2.6 Exotic plants and animals
Apart from some introduced species in the former house paddock Cpt. C and a
creeper (Periwinkle?) in the north-west corner of Cpt. D there is only low level
infestation of Tree lucerne, Cootamundra wattle and pine in Wombat Flat NFR.
Comaum and Boolara NFRs have low levels of pine wildings only.
Rabbits, foxes, cats and house mice are known to inhabit these Reserves and may
have modified the biological community during their long period of occupation. The
probability is that some animal and plant species have been lost from these Reserves
due to predation and competition by introduced pest species. The risk of local
extinctions remains with the continued presence of pest species.
3.3 Current Uses
3.3.1 Conservation
The areas comprising The Comaum Native Forest Reserves were set aside for the
conservation of flora and fauna in 1970 and 1972 in line with policy at that time to
reserve all remaining native forest on Woods and Forests Department land for
conservation purposes.
3.3.2 Community Use
Final Plan – August 2001

19
The Comaum Native Forest Reserves offer recreation opportunities such as bush
walking and bird watching and are visited infrequently by individuals and groups
interested in natural history.
3.4 Adjacent Land Use
Land managed by ForestrySA, the greater part supporting pine plantation, accounts
for 45% of adjacent land use. Pine and Blue gum plantations owned by private forest
growers occupy a further 15%. Sheep and cattle graze 30% of adjacent land
including a large area of open woodland to the west of Comaum NFR. The balance
of 10% is occupied by native forest owned by private land-holders, local government
and the Department for Environment and Heritage (Glenroy CP).
The wedge shaped Section 390 Hd. of Comaum (Stone Reserve No. 2) adjoining
Wombat Flat on the northern boundary of Cpt. B containing Stringybark forest, and
on the western boundary of Cpt. C containing Red gum woodland, is owned by the
District Council of Wattle Range, this land tenure change is not evident on the
ground.
4. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
4.1 Native Forest Management Philosophies
In managing native forests ForestrySA recognises the following principles:
Ecosystems are dynamic and will continue to change with time.
In most instances biological data for decision making represents a single
'snapshot' in time.
Decisions will generally be for management of ecosystems, communities and
processes, as all information on individual species or for all species will never be
available.
Due to the long-term changes in ecosystems, the availability of data showing
changes over time is uncommon.
The least disturbed sites will be protected and used as benchmark areas to
monitor changes due to natural succession without fire, and may be used as
reference sites for restoration of adjacent disturbed areas.
The 'scale' of post settlement disturbance may influence the subsequent rates of
change in the ecosystem. The larger and more perceptible the scale of
disturbance eg. logging or bushfires, the easier it is to document impacts and to
develop restoration programs.
To maximise diversity all areas will not be treated the same way at the same time.
Maximising the conservation value of an area may involve consultation and
cooperation with neighbouring landowners (private individuals, Local Government
and other Government Agencies).
Final Plan – August 2001

4.2 Long-term Management Objectives For Native Forest Reserves
20
ForestrySA is committed to the following broad management objectives for the native
forests under its control for the benefit of the people of South Australia.
4.2.1 Conservation Management
Manage for the long-term conservation of native plant and animal communities.
4.2.2 Community Use
Manage community use consistent with the primary conservation purpose of the
Reserve.
Promote understanding and awareness of the conservation values of the
Reserve.
4.2.3 Protection
Protect the Reserves to minimise impacts from human induced or natural events.
Control pest plants and animals.
4.2.4 Rehabilitation
Rehabilitate sites that have been severely degraded by human activity since
European settlement.
Final Plan – August 2001

Final Plan – August 2001
21
SOUTH EAST REGION
THE COMAUM NATIVE FOREST RESERVES
5 YEAR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

22
5. FIVE YEAR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Management actions proposed will be carried out in accordance with guidelines contained in the relevant procedural policies listed in
Appendix 1.
5.1 Conservation Management
Goal - Manage The Comaum NFRs for the long
term conservation of native plant and animal
communities.
5.1.1 Specific Objectives – Habitat Management Action Priority Timing
Terminate grazing lease Wombat Flat NFR Negotiate the cancellation of the grazing
High
2000
agreement in Cpt. C to allow natural regeneration.
2000
Low
Back fill quarry in Cpt. D and allow natural
regeneration.
Prohibit quarrying in Boolara NFR
Ongoing
High
Protect and encourage native vegetation on this
public road in cooperation with the DC of Wattle
Range.
Maintain the road vegetation link between
Comaum and Boolara NFRs
Ongoing
High
Conduct the prescribed burning program as
proposed in Figures 5.1 to 5.3 and Appendix II
subject to approval from NVC.
Maintain diverse vegetation structure and
composition by prescribed burning selected
compartments.
High Ongoing
Collaborate with other agencies involved in
ecological studies to ensure that information
obtained is included in the ForestrySA Natural
Resource Data Base.
5.1.2 Specific Objective – Conservation Research
Coordinate and facilitate projects to improve
knowledge and understanding of the natural
features and biological community.
5.1.3 Specific Objective – Cooperative Management
Consult with adjoining land owners Advise neighbours of management operations High Ongoing
Final Plan – August 2001

23
High Ongoing
which may affect them, eg. prescribed burning,
pest control, community use.
Pursue opportunities for cooperative management
with owners of adjoining native forest, particularly
DEH in regard to Glenroy Conservation Park.
5.2 Community Use
Goals – Manage community use of the Reserves
consistent with its primary conservation
purpose
- Promote understanding and
awareness of their conservation values.
Ongoing
High
Erect and maintain signs at appropriate locations
5.2.1 Specific Objective – Reserve Identity
Identify ownership of the Reserves, their names,
status, area, and permitted activities.
2000
Med
If appropriate nominate these reserves for listing
on the register of the National Estate
High Ongoing
Restrict public vehicle access to permitted
activities.
5.2.2 Specific Objective – Access
Prohibit unauthorised access to minimise
damage to natural features
High Ongoing
Ensure that permitted activities and approved
public events are compatible with the conservation
aims of the Reserve and are consistent with
regulations under the relevant Acts for the
protection of native flora and fauna.
5.2.3 Specific Objectives – Community Use
Manage recreation activities to minimise impacts
on natural features
High Ongoing
Inform recreation users that certain areas may be
declared unavailable for high impact activities.
Identify sensitive areas for exclusion from high
impact recreation activities
Final Plan – August 2001

24
High Ongoing
Ensure that the impacts of permitted activities are
monitored and reported by recreation users or
ForestrySA.
Identify activities that have the potential for
deleterious impacts and implement appropriate
monitoring programs.
5.3 Protection
Goal – Protect the Reserves to minimise
impacts from human induced or natural events.
High Annual
Maintain fire breaks and access tracks to facilitate
wildfire and prescribed burning control operations
Regulate public access and use of the Reserve in
the fire danger period.
In the event of a wildfire, when necessary, take
special measures (eg. fire break construction, and
back burning) to minimise the area burnt.
5.3.1 Specific Objective – Wild-fire Protection
Minimise the area burnt in wild-fires using a
range of wildfire prevention measures
High Ongoing
High Ongoing
High Ongoing
Implement the prescribed burning as scheduled in
Figures 5 recognising that prescribed burning for
habitat management reduces fuel loads which
may assist to reduce fire intensity and rate of
spread.
Final Plan – August 2001

25
2000
Med
Remove introduced plant species from Cpt C
Wombat flat NFR – former house paddock
Maintain fencing on boundaries to exclude
neighbours’ sheep and cattle
Map occurrences of scheduled pest plants and
other environmental weeds including nonindigenous
Acacia spp. and implement control
measures
Monitor feral animal populations and implement
control operations as required
Maintain the program to remove pine wildings with
priority to the Scientific Reference Areas
5.3.2 Specific Objective – Introduced Species
Minimise impacts from introduced plants and
animals
Ongoing
High
Ongoing
High
High Ongoing
Med Ongoing
High Ongoing
Ensure precautions are taken to prevent damage
to the Reserve by commercial forestry activities
such as herbicide spraying, fertiliser application,
and logging operations.
Prohibit firewood removal unless part of an
approved management operation
Prohibit Bee Husbandry on ForestrySA land which
may impact on the flora in these Reserves
Regulate native species seed harvesting in
accordance with ForestrySA Policy.
5.3.3 Specific Objective – Commercial Activity
Regulate commercial activities in the Reserve
and adjacent plantation areas to minimise
damage to the biological community
High Ongoing
High Ongoing
Ongoing
High
Ongoing
High
Regulate Petroleum activities as per Petroleum
Act 2000, and Regulations.
Final
Plan – August 2001

Final Plan – August 2001
26
SOUTH EAST REGION
THE COMAUM NATIVE FOREST RESERVES
6. NATURAL RESOURCE DATA

TABLE 1
27
PLANT SPECIES RECORDED FOR COMAUM NATIVE FOREST
RESERVES
Botanical Name Common Name Conservation
Significance
*Acacia baileyana Cootamundra wattle 3
*Acacia longifolia Sallow wattle 4
Acacia mearnsii Black wattle 1
Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood 2
Acacia myrtifolia var.myrtifolia Bitter leaved wattle 2
Acacia oxycedrus Spike wattle U/U 3
Acacia pycnantha Golden wattle 3
Acacia suaveolens Sweet wattle V/V 3
Acacia verticillata Prickly Moses 1
Acaena echinata var. Sheep burrs 3
Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee 1
Acrotriche serrulata Honeypots 3
Agrostis avenacea var. avenacea Blown grass 4
*Aira cupaniana Silvery hair-grass 4
Allocasuarina paludosa Scrub sheoak 3
Allocasuarina pusilla Dwarf sheoak 4
Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping sheoak 3
Amperea xiphoclada var. xiphoclada Broom spurge U/U 3
Amphipogon strictus var.setifer Grey-beard grass 4
Amyema miguelii Box mistletoe 4
Amyema pendulum ssp.pendulum Drooping mistletoe 2
*Anagallis arvensis Scarlet pimpernel 4
*Arctotheca calendula Capeweed 3
Argentipallium blandowskianum Woolly everlasting 3
Arthropodium fimbriatum Nodding cholocate-
4
Arthropodium strictum Chocolate lily 2
*Aster subulatus Wild aster 4
Astroloma conostephioides Flame heath 1
Astroloma humifusum Native cranberry 2
*Avena barbata Oat 2
Banksia marginata Silver banksia 1
Banksia ornata Desert banksia 3
Baumea arthrophylla Twig-rush 4
Baumea juncea Bare twig-rush 3
Billardiera cymosa Sweet apple-berry 3
Boronia nana Dwarf boronia U/U 3
Bossiaea cinerea Showy bossiaea U/U 4
Final Plan – August 2001
lily
Source

Bossiaea prostrata Creeping bossiaea 3
Brachycome cardiocarpa Swamp daisy R/R 3
Brachycome ciliaris var. ciliaris Variable daisy 4
Brachycome graminea Brachycome R/R 4
Brachycome uliginosa Daisy R/R 3
Brachyloma ciliatum Fringed brachyloma 3
*Briza maxima Quaking grass 3
*Briza minor Shivery grass 4
Brunonia australis Blue pincushion 3
Burchardia umbellata Milkmaids 3
Bursaria spinosa Sweet bursaria 2
Caladenia carnea var. carnea Pink fingers 4
Caladenia latifolia Pink fairies 3
Caladenia necrophylla King spider R/R 4
Caladenia tentaculata Orchid 4
Calochilus paludosus Red beard-orchid V/V 4
Calochilus robertsonii Common beardorchid
N/R 4
Calytrix tetragona Common Fringe-
1
28
myrtle
Carex breviculmis Sedge N/U 4
Carprobotus rossii Karkalla 3
Cassytha glabella forma dispar Slender dodder-laurel 3
Cassytha pubescens Downy dodder-laurel 1
Caustis pentandra Thick twist – rush 1
*Centaurium erythraea Common centaury 2
Centella cordifolia s.str. Centella U/U 4
Centipeda cunninghamii Common
4
sneezeweed
Centrolepis aristata Pointed centrolepis 4
Centrolepis polygyna Wiry centrolepis 4
Centrolepis strigosa Hairy centrolepis 4
*Chamaecytisus palmensis Tree lucerne 3
Chamaescilla corymbosa var. corymbosa Blue squill 3
Chenopodium pumilio Clammy goosefoot 4
*Chondrilla juncea Skeleton weed 3
Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common everlasting 3
*Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle 2
Clematis microphylla Old mans beard 3
Comesperma volubile Love creeper 3
Convolvulus aff.erubescens Australian bindweed U/U 4
Convolvulus remotus Australian bindweed 3
*Conyza albida Tall fleabane 4
Correa reflexa var. reflexa Common correa 1
Corybas diemenicus Veined helmet-orchid 5
Corybas incurvus Slaty helmet-orchid U/U 5
Corybas unguiculatus Small helmet-orchid R/R 4
Craspedia glauca Batchelors buttons 3
Crassula closiana Stalked crassula 4
Crassula decumbens var. decumbens Spreading crassula 4
Final Plan – August 2001

Crassula seiberiana ssp. tetramera Sieber crassula 4
Cryptandra tomentosa Prickly cryptandra 4
*Cynodon dactylon Couch-grass 4
Cynoglossum australe Australian hounds
3
29
tongue
*Cynosurus echinatus Rough dogs tail grass 4
Cyperus tenellus Tiny flat sedge 4
Cyrtostylis reniformis Gnat orchid 3
Cyrtostylis robusta Robust gnat-orchid 5
Danthonia geniculata Kneed wallaby –
grass
2
Danthonia racemosa var. racemosa Wallaby – grass N/U 4
Danthonia semiannularis Wallaby – grass U/U 4
Danthonia setacea var. setacea Bristly wallaby –
grass
2
Daucus glochidiatus Native carrot 3
Daviesia brevifolia Leafless Bitter-pea 2
*Desmazeria rigida Fern grass 4
Deyeuxia quadriseta Reed bent-grass 4
Dianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black-anther flax-lily 3
Dianbella revoluta var. revoluta Black-anther flax-lily 2
Dichelachne crinita Plume-grass N/U 2
Dichondra repens Kidney weed 3
Dillwynia cinerascens Grey parrot – pea E/E 2
Dillwynia glaberrima Smooth parrot – pea 2
Dillwynia hispida Red parrot – pea 3
Dillwynia sericea Showy parrot – pea 3
*Dittrichia gravelolens Stinkwort 4
Diuris sulphurea Tiger – orchid R/R 3
Dodonea viscosa ssp. spatulata Sticky hop – bush 1
Drosera auriculata Tall sundew 2
Drosera glanduligeri Scarlet sundew 4
Drosera macrantha ssp. planchonii Climbing sundew 4
Drosera peltata Pale sundew 4
Drosera pygmaea Tiny sundew 4
Drosera whittakeri ssp. Scented sundew 1
*Ehrharta calycina Perennial veldt grass 4
*Ehrharta erecta Panic veldt-grass 3
Epacris impressa Common heath 1
Epilobium billardierianum ssp x
Willow herb 4
intermedium
Eragrostis benthamii Common lovegrass 4
Eriochilus cucullatus Parsons bands 4
Eucalyptus baxteri Brown stringy-bark 1
Eucalyptus camaldulensis var.
River redgum 3
camaldulensis
Eucalyptus fasciculosa Pink gum 2
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. leucoxylon S.A. Blue gum 2
Eucalyptus ovata Swamp gum 3
Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis Manna gum 3
Final Plan – August 2001

Euchiton gymnocephalus Creeping cudweed 4
Exocarpos cupressiformis Native cherry 2
Gahnia trifida Cutting grass 3
Gastrodia sesamoides Cinnamon bells R/K 2
Geranium potentilloides var. potentilloides Geranium 3
Glossodia major Purple cockatoo 3
Glycine clandestina var. clandestina Twining glycine 3
Gonocarpus tetragynus Common raspwort 2
Goodenia geniculata Bent goodenia 3
Goodia medicaginea Golden-tip 2
Hakea nodosa Yellow hakea 3
Hakea rostrata Beaked hakea 3
Hakea rugosa Dwarf hakea 2
Helichrysum scorpioides Button everlasting 3
Hemarthria uncinata var. uncinata Mat grass 3
Hibbertia prostrata Bundled guinea-
1
30
flower
Hibbertia riparia aff. stricta Erect guinea-flower N/Q 4
Hibbertia riparia var. Guinea - flower 1
Hibbertia sericea var. scabrifolia Silky guinea - flower 4
Hibbertia sericea var. sericea Silky guinea – flower 2
Hibbertia stricta var. stricta Erect guinea – flower 3
*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog 3
Hovea linearis Common hovea V/V 1
Hybanthus floribundus ssp. floribundus Shrub violet 3
Hydrocotyle callicarpa Tiny pennywort 4
Hydrorotyle laxiflora Stinking penny-wort 1
Hypericum gramineum Small St. Johns wort N/U 4
*Hypochoeris radicata Deep-rooted catsear 1
Hypolaena fastigiata Tassel rope-rush 1
Hypoxis vaginata var. vaginata Yellow star N/U 3
Imperata cylindrica Kunai grass 3
Indigofera australis var. australis Austral indigo N/Q 3
Isolepis nodosa Knobby club – rush 2
Isolepis platycarpa Club rush 4
Isopogon ceratophyllus Cone bush 3
Juncus bufonius Toad rush 4
*Juncus capitatus Capitate rush 4
Juncus holoschoenus Joint-leaved rush 4
Juncus kraussii Sea rush 4
Juncus pallidus Pale rush 3
Juncus planifolius Broad-leaved rush N/U 4
Juncus subsecundus Finger rush 4
Kennedia prostrata Running postman 3
*Lagurus ovatus Hares tail grass 4
*Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce 4
Final Plan – August 2001

Lavatera plebeia Australian holly hock 3
Laxmannia orientalis Dwarf wire-lily 3
Lepidosperma canescens Hoary rapier-sedge N/U 3
Lepidosperma carphoides Black rapier-sedge 3
Lepidosperma concavum Sword-sedge 3
Lepidosperma curtisiae Little sword-sedge N/T 4
Lepidosperma laterale Tall sword-sedge U/R 4
Lepidosperma longitudinale Pithy sword-sedge 4
Leporella fimbriata Fringed hare-orchid 5
Leptocarpus brownii Coarse twine – rush 3
Leptocarpus tenax Slender twine – rush 1
Leptospermum continentale Prickly tea-tree 1
Leptospermum lanigerum Silky tea-tree 3
Leptospermum myrsinoides Heath tea – tree 1
Lepyrodia muelleri Common scale – rush 4
Leucopogon clelandii Clelands beardedheath
R/R 4
Leucopogon ericoides Pink bearded – heath 1
Leucopogon virgatus Common beard-heath 1
Lomandra micrantha ssp.micrantha Small-flower mat –
4
Lomandra nana Pale mat – rush 1
Lomandra sororia Small mat-rush U/U 4
Lythrum hyssopifolia Lesser loose strife 4
Melaleuca brevifolia Mallee honey-myrtle 3
Melaleuca gibbosa Slender honey-myrtle 3
Melaleuca lanceolata ssp. lanceolata Moonah 3
*Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal 4
Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping rice-grass 5
Microseris lanceolata Yam Daisy 3
Microtis parviflora Slender onion-orchid U/U 4
Microtis unifolia complex Common onion-
4
31
rush
orchid
Monotoca scoparia Broom heath U/U 2
*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridle creeper 4
Neurachne alopecuroidea Fox-tail mulga-grass 4
*Oenothera stricta Evening primrose 3
Olearia axillaris Coast daisy – bush 3
Opercularia varia Variable stinkweed 4
Oxalis perennans Oxalis 3
*Oxalis purpurea One o’clock 3
Panicum effusum var. effusum Hairy panic 4
*Parentucellia viscosa Yellow bartsia 4
*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 4
Patersonia fragilis Swamp iris U/U 3
Pelargonium australe Austral storks bill 3
Pelargonium littorale Storks bill 3
Pelargonium rodneyanum Magenta storks bill 3
Final Plan – August 2001

Pentapogon quadrifidus var. quadrifidus Five-awned speargrass
R/R 4
Persicaria prostrata Trailing knotweed U/U 4
Persoonia juniperina (Prickly) geebung 3
*Petrorhagia velutina Velvet pink 3
Phyllangium distylis Tiny mitrewort R/R 4
Pimelea glauca Smooth riceflower 4
Pimelea humilis Common riceflower 3
Pimelea linifolia ssp. linifolia Slender riceflower 2
Pimelea stricta Gaunt riceflower 3
*Pinus pinaster Maritime pine 3
*Pinus radiata Radiata pine 3
*Plantago lanceolata var. lanceolata Ribgrass 3
Poa crassicaudex Poa 4
Poa labillardieri var. labillardieri Tussock grass 4
Poa rodwayi Poa R/R 2
Podolepis jaceoides Showy podolepis R/R 3
Poranthera microphylla Small poranthera 3
Prasophyllum sp. Orchid 4
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Cudweed 4
Pteridium esculentum Bracken 1
Pterostylis nana Dwarf green-hood 4
Pterostylis pedunculata Maroon-hood 5
Pterostylis plumosa Bearded green-hood 4
Ptilotus macrocephalus Large green pussytail U/U 4
Pultenea tenuifolia Bush-pea 4
Pyrorchis nigricans Red-beak orchid 5
Ranunculus robertsonii Slender buttercup R/R 3
*Rumex crispus Curled dock 4
Rutidosis multiflora Small wrinklewort 4
*Salix cinerea Common sallow 4
*Scabiosa atropurpurea Purple pincushion 4
Schoenus apogon Common bog-rush 1
Schoenus nitens Shiny bog-rush 4
Selliera radicans Swamp weed 4
Senecio glomeratus (Annual) fireweed 1
Senecio picridioides Fireweed 3
Senecio quadridentatus Cotton fireweed 2
Senecio squarrosus Squarrose fireweed 4
Senecio tenuiflorus Senecio 1
*Solanum nigrum Black-berry
nightshade
4
*Sonchus asper ssp. glaucescens Prickly sow-thistle 4
*Sonchus oleraceus Common sow –
3
32
thistle
Sphaerolobium minus Leafless globe-pea R/R 3
*Sporobolus indicus var. africanus Rats-tail grass 3
Stackhousia monogyna Creamy candles 3
Stipa mollis Spear – grass 1
Stylidium beaugleholei Beaugleholes trigger- R/R 4
Final Plan – August 2001

Stylidium graminifolium
plant
Grass trigger-plant 2
Stylidium inundatum Hundreds and
thousands
4
Stylidium perpusillum Slender trigger-plant U/R 4
Styphelia adscendens Golden heath U/U 2
*Taraxacum officinale Dandelion 3
Tetratheca ciliata Pink – bells 1
Thelymitra antennifera Rabbit – ears 4
Thelymitra epipactoides Metallic sun-orchid E/E 4
Thelymitra flexuosa Twisted sun- orchid R/R 3
Thelymitra ixioides Spotted sun – orchid 3
Thelymitra juncifolia Spotted sun orchid N/U 4
Thelymitra pauciflora Slender sun-orchid 4
Thelymitra rubra Common pink sun-
4
33
orchid
Themeda triandra Kangaroo grass 2
Thomasia petalocalyx Paper – flower 2
Thysanotus patersonii Twining fringe – lily 3
Tricoryne elatior Yellow rush – lily 3
Tricostularia pauciflora Needle bog-rush E/E 4
*Trifolium angustifolium Narrow - leaved
4
clover
*Trifolium arvense var. arvense Hares foot clover 3
*Trifolium campestre Hop clover 4
*Trifolium stellatum Star clover 3
*Trifolium subterraneum Sub clover 3
Typha domingensis Bulrush 4
Villarsia reniformis Running marsh –
flower
3
*Vinca major Periwinkle 3
Viola cleistogamoides Native violet U/R 3
Vittadinia australasica Vittadinia 4
Vittadinia cuneata var. cuneata Fuzzweed 4
Vittadinia gracilis Woolly new holland
daisy
3
Wahlenbergia gracilenta Annual bluebell 3
Wahlenbergia multicaulis Tadgell’s bluebell 3
Wahlenbergia stricta ssp.stricta Tall bluebell 4
Xanthorrhoea caespitosa Grass – tree 1
Zoysia matrella Manila grass R/R 4
Final Plan – August 2001

34
Interim conservation significance codes are shown where warranted as a state and region
rating in the format SA/SE.
Code E – Endangered
V – Vulnerable
T – Threatened, ie. either Vulnerable or Endangered
K – Uncertain, but likely to be Rare or Threatened
R – Rare
? – Not rated, but of possible significance
U – Uncommon
N – Common
2000 Update of Conservation Status Codes Report by Lang, P.J. Kraehenbuehl, D. N. –
Department for Environment and Heritage. * = Introduced
1. Department of Environment and Planning Survey, 1991 (Leonie Heard).
2. Permanent Vegetation Plots – 19884/85 W & F Survey and Reference Herbarium
3. General Survey 1995 ForestrySA (Grigg).
4. Survey by D. Murfet, R Taplin, K Alcock March & October 1997.
5. Observations by Naracoorte-Lucindale Field Naturalists July 2000.
Final Plan – August 2001

TABLE 2
35
Bird Species Recorded for
The Comaum Native Forest Reserves
Showing Preferred Food and Habitat
BIRD GROUPS STATUS
1. Species feeding predominantly on flowers (nectar and/or
pollen) and fruits (pulp and/or seeds) in trees and shrubs
(A) Predominantly flowers and small insects in trees and shrubs
Eastern Spinebill
Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
Red Wattlebird
Anthochaera carunculata
Little Wattlebird
Anthochaera chrysoptera
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Lichenostomus chrysops
White-eared Honeyeater
Lichenostomus leucotis
White-plumed Honeyeater
Lichenostomus penicillatus
Brown-headed Honeyeater
Melithreptus brevirostris
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Melithreptus gularis
White-naped Honeyeater
Melithreptus lunatus
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
Phylidonyris melanops
New Holland Honeyeater
Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
(B) Predominantly flowers, fruits and insects in trees and shrubs
Noisy Miner
Manorina melanocephala
Grey Currawong
Strepera versicolor
Silvereye
Zosterops lateralis
(C) Predominantly fruits in trees and shrubs
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Calyptorhynchus funereus
Crimson Rosella
Platycercus elegans
Eastern Rosella
Platycercus eximius
Final Plan – August 2001
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
V
C
C
C
C
C
C
V
C
C

36
BIRD GROUPS STATUS
(D) Predominantly fruits in tree canopies
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Calyptorhynchus banksii
Mistletoebird
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
(E) Predominantly flowers in tree canopies
Musk Lorikeet
Glossopsitta concinna
Purple-crowned Lorikeet
Glossopsitta porphyrocephala
2. Species feeding predominantly on insects in trees and shrubs
(A) Predominantly insects in tree canopies (outer leaves and small
branches)
Striated Thornbill
Acanthiza lineata
Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx basalis
Grey Shrike-thrush
Colluricincla harmonica
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Coracina novaehollandiae
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Cacomantis flabelliformis
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike
Coracina papuensis
Crested Shrike-tit
Falcunculus frontatus
White-winged Triller
Lalage sueurii
Golden Whistler
Pachycephala pectoralis
Rufous Whistler
Pachycephala rufiventris
Spotted Pardalote
Pardalotus punctatus
Striated Pardalote
Pardalotus striatus
Grey Fantail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Weebill
Smicrornis brevirostris
Final Plan – August 2001
E
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
R
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C

37
BIRD GROUPS STATUS
(B) Predominantly small insects on tree trunks and large limbs
Brown Treecreeper
Climacteris picumnus
White-throated Treecreeper
Cormobates leucophaeus
Varied Sittella
Daphoenositta chyrosptera
3. Species feeding predominantly on or near the ground among
shrub cover
(A) Predominantly small insects
Brown Thornbill
Acanthiza pusilla
Eastern Yellow Robin
Eopsaltria australis
Superb Fairy-wren
Malurus cyaneus
White-browed Scrubwren
Sericornis frontalis
Southern Emu-wren
Stipiturus malachurus
* Common Blackbird
Turdus merula
(B) Feeding on seeds
Emu
Dromaius novaehollandiae
Red-browed Finch
Neochmia temporalis
Common Bronzewing
Phaps chalcoptera
Brush Bronzewing
Phaps elegans
4. Species feeding on open ground under tree cover
(A) Feeding on insects
Buff-rumped Thornbill
Acanthiza reguloides
White-winged Chough (+ bulbs)
Corcorax melanorhamphos
Hooded Robin
Melanodryas culcullata
Final Plan – August 2001
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
R
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C

38
BIRD GROUPS STATUS
Restless Fly catcher
Myiagra inquieta
Scarlet Robin
Petroica multicolor
White-browed Babbler
Pomatostomus superciliosus
Willie Wagtail
Rhipidura leucophrys
(B) Feeding on small vertebrates
Laughing Kookaburra
Dacelo novaeguineae
Sacred Kingfisher
Todiramphus sancta
5. Species feeding on open ground (away from shrub cover)
(A) Feeding predominantly on large insects and small vertebrates
Australian Raven
Corvus coronoides
Little Raven
Corvus mellori
Forest Raven
Corvus tasmanicus
Australian Magpie
Gymnorhina tibicen
(B) Feeding predominantly on seeds, bulbs and small insects
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Cacatua galerita
Galah
Cacatua roseicapilla
Little Corella
Cacatua sanguinea
Long-billed Corella
Cacatua tenuirostris
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
Peaceful Dove
Geopelia striata
Blue-winged Parrot
Neophema chrysostoma
Red-rumped Parrot
Psephotus haematonotus
(C) Feeding predominantly on insects
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Final Plan – August 2001
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
V
C
C

39
BIRD GROUPS STATUS
Richard’s Pipit
Anthus novaeseelandiae
Magpie-lark
Grallina cyanoleuca
Jacky Winter
Microeca fascinans
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
6. Aerial Predatory Species
(A) Diurnal species which feed on vertebrates
Collared Sparrowhawk
Accipiter cirrhocephalus
Brown Goshawk
Accipiter fasciatus
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Aquila audax
Brown Falcon
Falco berigora
Nankeen Kestrel
Falco cenchroides
Whistling Kite
Haliastur sphenurus
(B) Aerial Insectivores
Dusky Woodswallow
Artamus cyanopterus
White-throated Needletail
Hirundapus caudacutus
Welcome Swallow
Hirundo neoxena
Tree Martin
Hirundo nigricans
(C) Nocturnal Insectivores
Southern Boobook
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Tawny Frogmouth
Podargus strigoides
7. Birds dependent on wetlands (Waterbirds)
(A) Feeding in shallow water or open grassy woodland
Australian Shelduck
Tadorna tadornoides
Final Plan – August 2001
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C

Status of species in South Australia under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 –
Schedules 7,8 and 9 are shown as :
E = Endangered Taxa in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if
the causal factors continue operating.
40
V = Vulnerable Taxa believed likely to move into endangered category in the
near future if causal factors continue operating.
R = Rare Taxa with small populations in South Australia that are not at
present endangered or vulnerable, but are at risk.
C = Common The category of greatest abundance; relatively numerous
generally, locally and/or seasonally. (Local abundance applies
to species with restricted distribution).
Final Plan – August 2001

TABLE 3
41
MAMMAL SPECIES RECORDED FOR THE COMAUM NATIVE FOREST RESERVES
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation
Significance
Antechinus flavipes Yellow-footed Antechinus C
Macropus fuliginosus Western Grey Kangaroo C
Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo R
Macropus rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby R
*Mus domesticus House mouse -
*Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit -
Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider R
Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail C
Rattus fuscipes Bush Rat C
Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna C
Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail C
Vombatus ursinus Common Wombat R
*Vulpes vulpes Fox -
* = Introduction
Status of species in South Australia under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 –
Schedules 7, 8 and 9 are shown as :
R = Rare
C = Common
Final Plan – August 2001

TABLE 4
42
REPTILE SPECIES RECORDED FOR THE COMAUM NATIVE FOREST RESERVES
Scientific Name Common Name
Bassiana duperreyi
Lerista bougainvillii
Notechis scutatus
Pseudomoia entrecasteauxii
Pseudonaja textilis
Tiliqua rugosa
Tiliqua scincoides
TABLE 5
Skink
Skink
Tiger Snake
Skink
Eastern Brown Snake
Shingle-back
Eastern blue-tongued lizard
AMPHIBIAN SPECIES RECORDED FOR THE COMAUM NATIVE FOREST RESERVES
Scientific Name Common Name
Crinia signifera
Limnodynastes dumerili
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
Neobatrachus pictus
Final Plan – August 2001
Brown Froglet
Bull Frog
Marbled Frog
Burrowing Frog

7. APPENDICES
APPENDIX I
FORESTRYSA – Community Forestry – Legislation and Policy
43
The management actions proposed in Section 5 of this plan are supported by Regulations
under the Acts, and guidelines from the Policies in the following list.
Forestry Act 1950
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972
Country Fires Act 1989
Native Vegetation Act 1991
ForestrySA Policy Name Policy Number
Corporate - Community Use CF – C1
- Law enforcement CF – C4
- Information Signs CF – C5
Recreation - Day Visitors CF – R2
- Camping CF – R4
- Orienteering & Rogaining CF – R6
- Pets in the Forest CF – R7
- Horse riding in SE Forests CF – R9
- Bicycling CF – R10
- Public Vehicle Access CF – R11
- Policy for Motor Sport CF – R12
- Cave Exploration CF – R14
- Policy on Military Exercises CF – R15
- Public Events Policy CF – R16
Native Forest Management - Native Forest Management CF – NF1- Pending
- Prescribed Burning CF – NF2
- Seed collection CF -- NF4 - Pending
Final Plan – August 2001

APPENDIX II
44
PRESCRIPTED BURNING SCHEDULE FOR THE COMAUM NATIVE FOREST
RESERVES.
Wombat Flat
NFR
Comaum
NFR
Boolara
NFR
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
K
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
K
L
M
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
K
L
M
Final Plan – August 2001
Burn opportunistically and more frequently to reduce exotic grass
and other species.
2001-Spring, low intensity to minimise impact on existing tree
regeneration and provide varied successional stage compared
with the adjacent Glenroy Conservation Park. Consult with
neighbour to the east.
Reserved from burning, contains Red gum association.
2001-Spring, to meet policy objectives.
2005-Autumn, to meet policy objectives.
Reserved from burning, contains Blue & Manna gum associations.
Reserved from burning, contains a range of vegetation
associations and provides a core area for fauna refuge and
recruitment.
2004-Autumn, to meet policy objectives.
2002-Spring, to meet policy objectives.
L,M,N – No burning for plan duration
Reserved from burning, contains Swamp gum association.
As for A.
2003-Spring, to meet policy objectives.
2001-Spring, 2005- Autumn, reduced interval burning to monitor
effects on floral composition and structure.
No burning for plan duration.
2001-Autumn, to meet policy objectives.
No burning for plan duration.
2005- Autumn, to meet policy objectives.
Reserved from burning, contains various associations.
As for J, and because of prior long term fire free status.
2003-Autumn, to meet policy objectives.
As for J.
2005-Autumn, to meet policy objectives.
2002-Spring, to meet policy objectives, take reasonable care to
exclude fire from Pink gum areas in this compartment.
2003-Spring, to meet policy objectives, with qualification as for B.
2004-Spring, to meet policy objectives, low intensity burn in
those parts with Blue and Pink gum associations.
No burning for plan duration.
2002-Autumn, to meet policy objectives.
Reserved from burning, Manna gum over heath.
2002-Spring, to meet policy objectives.
Reserved from burning, to preserve long term fire free status.
As for G.
2001-Autumn, to monitor heath species regeneration.
2005-Autumn, to meet policy objectives.

REFERENCES
Boardman, R (1999) Unpublished report. Woods and Forests Department
45
Tindale, N B (1974) Aboriginal Tribes of Australia. Their Terrain, Environment Controls,
Distribution, Limits, and Proper Names. (Australian National University Press, Canberra.)
Tyler, M J, Twidale, C R, Ling, J K, and Holmes, J W (1983) Eds. Natural History of the
South East. (Roy. Soc. S.A. (Inc) 237pp).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This plan has been prepared by ForestrySA staff. Principal authors B.R. Grigg
and B.C. Gepp, with contributions from R. Boardman, L. Kettle and D. Kloeden.
Final Plan – August 2001