Willow Management
About the Project
Willow management was selected as a priority focus area in the ICEP (integrated catchment enhancement plan) action plan because of the potential to address a number of relevant issues and work towards a number of aspirations.
Willow removal at different sites addressed different issues, for example willows shade the waterway which can be detrimental to natural biodiversity by preventing growth of native plants, willows can also create artificial dams in the river which cause sediment release or downstream damage in high flow, willows remove water directly from the waterway thus reducing water flows or increasing periods of low flow.
A willow management strategic plan was developed in 2024 and can be found here. Along with a removal plan for Poolburn Gorge areas alongside Ida Valley Catchment Group.
Biodiversity will be improved by removal of the willows which occurred. In some areas the willows were replaced by replanting with natives to increase species diversity and improve/provide habitat for native fauna and fish. You can see maps of replanted areas below. In addition, amenity areas will be created or enhanced to increase community connection with the waterways. Community members have been growing plants to support replanting efforts and will continue to manage some sites after this project has been completed.
Method of Works
We used three different methods during the project depending on the location, season or timing constraints.
The first method was physical removal, this included heavy machinery to cut the trees then physically removing the logs above the stumps.
The second method was controlling tees with chemicals by drilling holes in willows and filling with poison (known as ‘drill and fill’).
Finally, our third method was spraying, this was either by drone or helicopter and in some cases (where time allowed), we sprayed via helicopter before the contractor went in for physical removal to reduce regrowth.
Locations of Works
Check out the below maps of two areas where we physically removed natives and replaced with native plantings.
Other areas we removed willows were;
Riverside Park, Alexandra
Falls Dam
Poolburn Gorge (below and above the Viaduct)
St Bathans Loop Road
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