ACEAS VEG-TRANS ACT, Belconnen Naval Transmission Station

Pre-European benchmark-analogue vegetation: The original vegetation for the site was a temperate grassland is a native ecological community that is dominated by native species of perennial tussock grasses. The dominant grasses are Themeda triandra, Austrodanthonia species, Austrostipa species, Bothriochloa macra and Poa species. The upper canopy stratum generally varies in height from mid-high (0.25–0.5 metres) to tall (0.5–1.0 metres). There is also a diversity of native herbaceous plants (forbs), which may comprise up to 70% of species present. The community is naturally treeless or has less than 10% projective foliage cover of trees, shrubs and sedges in its tallest stratum. In the ACT it occurs where tree growth is limited by cold air drainage, generally below 625 metres altitude. Brief chronology of changes in land use and management: Up to late 1820s the area managed by indigenous people. 1830s area first grazed by sheep and cattle with the aid of shepherds. 1860 fences were established and continuous stocking commenced. 1900 patches of woodland areas on higher ground were partly cleared. 1900-39 high likelihood of moderate to heavy grazing pressure due to sheep and cattle. 1940-1993 area managed as a naval transmission station. 1940-92 area managed for sheep grazing under continuous grazing. 1970 high likelihood that secure people and kangaroo proof fence established. 1993 sheep removed from the site. 1995 mowers used to manage the grass. 1997-2008 kangaroo population increased to unacceptable levels. 2006 naval transmission towers demolished. Area continued to have a secure people proof fence. 2008 kangaroo population culled to reduce grazing pressure. 2011 site managed for nature conservation values.