Chilean Needle Grass Action Group. Strategic Framework DRAFT

Transcription

1 Chilean Needle Grass Action Group Strategic Framework 2015 DRAFT

2 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Table of Contents Glossary 2 Executive Summary 3 Introduction 5 Program Approach 6 Measuring Success 8 Conclusion 8 References 9 Appendix Map 1: Current Known Distribution of CNG in Marlborough 10 Map 2: Potential Distribution of CNG through New Zealand 11 Attachment A: Summary of Job Responsibilities 12 Figure 1: Programs Diagram Figure 2: Board and Committee Structure Figure 3: Organisational Chart Table 1: Products and Services Table 2: Sample Performance Measurement System

3 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Glossary Core Property Found mainly in the Blind River area, these properties are highly CNG infested. Fringe Property Have light CNG infestations of isolated plants that are destroyed annually. Surveillance Property At-risk properties that are checked annually by Marlborough District Council for CNG. Isolated plants may be found and are destroyed. Organisational Mission The mission of the Chilean Needle Grass Action Group is: To provide a framework to coordinate and implement specific practices to eradicate Chilean Needle Grass from the Marlborough region within fifteen years in order to support environmental integrity and economic stability for farmers, businesses and landowners affected by CNG.

4 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Executive Summary Started in February 2014 as a private, not-for-profit organisation, the Chilean Needle Grass Action Group (CNGAG) is one of the newest community-based pest control organisations in the South Island. The CNGAG is becoming recognised as a leading steering group in a growing field of concerned independent farmers and businesses in the Marlborough District. The group's focus is on eradicating CNG in Marlborough from all infested areas and to prevent the spread. The Marlborough District Council and New Zealand Landcare Trust have been included in order to facilitate this effort. The purpose is to develop a Strategic Plan to act as a foundation for the Action Group over the next 15 years. Implementation of this Strategic Plan requires four steps: Year One: build a solid foundation of a landowner database of CNG properties; education; funding; mapping and farm action plans. On-farm management, education, surveillance, compliance, national and regional collaboration, and review/reporting will be actioned. A three-year tactical plan to stop the spread and reduce CNG in both core and fringe areas. A seven-year plan that will ensure risks of spread are nil. At this point broadacre spraying should not be required. A long-term strategic plan to guide the organisation for the duration of the plan. It is our intent to use this framework as a strategic guide consistent with CNGAG's Organisational Mission. The Action Group has been established because the community saw a need to enhance and increase the activities around CNG which Marlborough District Council is unable to do with its current resources and processes. The group will initiate community-led projects and programmes such as hygiene protocols for core-infested properties, in conjunction with Marlborough District Council's own programme. It will then facilitate engagement and support the wider community to implement the policies developed. The CNGAG has approached Chilean Needle Grass issues by focusing on problems caused directly to landowners. Sheep and lambs are the main animals affected by CNG, specifically their health, meat, wool and pelt-quality. CNG seeds prolifically and can be carried by all livestock, machinery, and people, which is the success of the plant's ability to spread and colonise wider areas.

5 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework In order to stop the spread and in the longer-term eradicate this plant, the CNGAG supports the following activities: Voluntary protocols and agreements for landowners to implement, resulting in improved land and animal quality. Assessments of the locations and spread of CNG, and to track the success of the strategic/management plan. Educating the general public about CNG so they can assist in fulfilling the objectives of the programme, help stop the spread of CNG and maintain a healthy environment. The CNGAG takes its own initiatives in projects to eradicate CNG in the Blind River area. Its combination of dry land, rural development and the expansion of industry creates a high risk for spread from the area. The group actively works toward CNG gaining a national awareness of its threat to the economy and to strengthen the support and knowledge throughout New Zealand. The group aims to gain wider community support for methods of eradication and control, (ie herbicides and restricted access), in assisting landowners to achieve CNG eradication. The CNGAG seeks sources of long-term funding to realise its goals. The Chilean Needle Grass Action Group is proactive in its practical management initiatives to bring about change, cohesion and increasing capabilities within the community and region, thereby gaining economic benefits for New Zealand.

6 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Introduction Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) was first identified in the Marlborough region of New Zealand in the 1920's. Over the last 70 years due to lack of knowledge and effective control tools, the plant has spread to 184 properties. Throughout Marlborough the current area affected is approximately 2800 hectares. Recently CNG has been discovered at 14 properties in North Canterbury, indicating CNG's spread not only in the Marlborough region but into other regions. Research indicates that this plant is not just an issue for Marlborough but for all of dry-land, pastoral New Zealand. It has been estimated that this pest has the potential to infest 15 million hectares of land on the east coasts of the North and South Islands. Currently it infests under 3% of its potential distribution 1. In comparison with other species of grass in New Zealand, Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) has the most versatile reproductive system. With its cross and self-fertilisation capabilities and mass amounts of seed reserves in soil, CNG is currently infesting and spreading to arable land, hill country, service areas of properties and road verges. The increased spread of CNG has alarmed landowners and industries of the region. Further to this, prior to 2011 there was a lack of effective control tools which led to frustration for landholders trying to manage CNG infestations. However in 2011 Flupropanate, a residual rate-selective herbicide was registered in New Zealand for CNG control. Flupropanate has been used for many years in Australia but is the first effective control tool for CNG in New Zealand. The residual effect of Flupropanate potentially provides landowners with an opportunity to make gains to more productive grasslands. Because Flupropanate is new to New Zealand, considerable research is required to understand the use of Flupropanate in conjunction with farm management strategies to maximise its benefits in New Zealand conditions. An effective CNG control tool has fuelled a resurgence of action from the community towards the mission of eradicating CNG from the region. 1 Bourdot GW, Lamoureaux SL, Kriticos DJ, Watt MS, Brown M (2010). Current and potential distribution of Nassella Neesiana (Chilean Needlegrass) in Australia and New Zealand. 17 th Australian Weeds Conference, p

7 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Program Approach Members of the CNG Action Group are both landowners with CNG and those with properties threatened by the spread of CNG. A multifaceted, landowner-based approach is required to ensure the success and sustainability of the group's purpose. The group is working with Marlborough District Council to identify issues faced by the community regarding CNG. Early work of the CNGAG included developing a protocol to contain CNG in the Blind River area, and engaging with the community in developing those protocols. All aspects of the group's mission are approached with diversity. For the benefit of both small and large-scale CNG infestation, all products and services are considered. The approach will restore, strengthen and improve business, creating measurable returns on investments and funding. Planning will provide guidance for the CNGAG in two general areas, Operation and Procedure and the Strategic Framework. Operation and Procedure The three-year strategic plan will assess current operating systems; refine and strengthen knowledge and manpower to maximise the effectiveness of the organisation. Strategic Framework This framework will be the tool with which to engage potential funders, allowing the Action Group to achieve the aims as set out in its mission statement. It will provide information to aid in the following: An integrated overview of CNGAG activities, including work to eradicate CNG and increase knowledge of the importance of the threat that CNG and its associated issues have in all pastoral land use. A fund raising strategy that reflects the wants and needs of the group in its future work and projects. A three-year projection of impacts of CNGAG's work in the eradication of CNG and the financial requirements and associated risks. It is the combination of a multi-step process to eradicate Chilean Needle Grass from the Marlborough region. In conjunction with land and business owners, (whether affected or not affected by CNG), the Action Group is taking the following steps:

8 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Compliance Observations and practices against the spread of CNG have been put in to place. A voluntary protocol has been drawn-up between landowners and the CNGAG to ensure everyone uses the same codes of hygiene to prevent the spread of the pest. Initial protocols focus on identifying financial and physical assistance to landowners for containing and eradicating CNG. The CNGAG's organisational health is dependent on efficient and highly communicable relations between itself and landowners and those businesses and groups servicing and using CNG areas. The knowledge that all properties, regardless of status and geographical region, will be treated equally in CNG eradication is of great importance. On-Farm Management Landowners collaborate on CNG spread prevention through hygiene protocols, stock, machinery and vehicle movements, wash-down facility access, personal protection and the use of Taskforce in integrated, modified systems. Education The general public is unaware of the effect (and existence) of CNG in susceptible areas. CNGAG are working to build on Council education programmes to ensure that landowners and all those working and recreating in the environment are aware of the issue and of the practical steps they can take to prevent its spread. Events such as field days, workshops and discussion groups organised by CNGAG will help build the knowledge base. These events must also involve organisations other than those directly and currently affected by CNG for example Beef and Lamb New Zealand, Wine Marlborough, and Federated Farmers. This education strategy includes discussions with associated businesses such as stock transport vehicles, and agricultural and viticultural contractors. National and Regional Involvement beyond the Core Area will build the plant's threat enough to establish systems and processes at a national level to ensure spread risks are known and minimised. Partnerships on a larger scale will be sought, incorporating industries involved in the pastoral sector and all communal land uses that may be and are affected by CNG. Reviews and Reports CNGAG members meet on a monthly basis to discuss and interpret future work against CNG and its relationship with the work carried out by Marlborough District Council biosecurity staff. Members discuss possible problems, solutions and outcomes to help meet goals and objectives. The meetings also include discussions on the reality of their work, those involved and the absolute truth of their progress and potential for success. All feedback is welcome and considered. Discussion about operational improvements, opportunities for change and future successes

9 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework against the pest plant are all measured. Minutes are recorded for future consideration and reflection.

10 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Measuring Success Strategies for measuring the success of the programme are being established. These will come down to the group setting clear objectives, both short and longterm, and documenting those achievements as part of the above (reports and reviews). Conclusion Our priorities and expected results for the next three years include: Building Capacity, Expanding Partnerships, Enhancing Education and Awareness, Diversify our Funding Base, Measuring Success, and continuing efforts to eradicate CNG. The purpose of this process is to develop a new strategic framework that will act as the foundation for the work of the CNGAG the next 15 years. The new framework must provide for: LANDOWNER AND MDC PARTNERSHIP: Work for the requirements of landowners with CNG infestation and those who are at risk of infestation. ENHANCED ECONOMIC PRODUCTIVITY: Work towards the eradication of CNG will be driven by individual values and motivations. INNOVATION: The success of the CNGAG depends on ongoing refinement and education in the area of CNG pest management. To achieve this innovation and deliver it to landowners demands a commitment to enhancing system development, diversified funding, and expanding partnerships. To achieve the full eradication of Chilean Needle Grass in Marlborough (and across New Zealand) requires long term commitment by the CNG Group and the wider community. We are proud of our accomplishments during the initial months of operation and excited by future plans towards the eradication of CNG. This framework will provide the group with an excellent opportunity to position itself for growth, to leverage and maximize impact in the area of CNG and to establish a unique place for the community to work together. We look forward to our future and the potential it brings.

11 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework References Bourdot GW, Lamoureaux SL, Kriticos DJ, Watt MS, Brown M (2010). Current and potential distribution of Nassella Neesiana (Chilean Needlegrass) in Australia and New Zealand. 17 th Australian Weeds Conference, p

12 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Appendix Map 1: Current Known Distribution of CNG in Marlborough

13 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Map 2: Potential Distribution of CNG through New Zealand

14 DRAFT CNGAG Strategic Framework Summary of Job Responsibilities: The Committee Co-Chairs: Warwick Lissaman Phil Pratt Committee Members: Virginia Hope Ross Beech Ash Hamilton Terry Marfell Peter Jerram, MDC Cllr. Cynthia Brooks, MDC Cllr Sue Green Simon Harvey Mike Watson Tim Struthers MDC Staff Representation: Alan Johnson Shona Sam Jono Underwood NZ Landcare Trust Barbara Stuart