Native vegetation on farms survey 1996

Native vegetation on farms survey 1996

1998 | Suzanne Jenkins for Agriculture Western Australia and Department of Conservation and Land Management
The Native Vegetation on Farms Survey 1996, conducted in the wheatbelt region of Western Australia, aimed to assess farmers' attitudes towards native vegetation, landcare, and land degradation. The survey, conducted in five shires—Pingelly, Lake Grace, Dumbleyung, Tammin, and Kellerberrin—involved 145 farmers, primarily engaged in wheat and sheep farming. The survey was a follow-up to a similar 1986 study by Coates, focusing on changes in farmers' attitudes over the past decade and the effectiveness of funding schemes in promoting landcare activities. Key findings included: - Farmers' awareness of the ecological and conservation values of native vegetation remained high, but their behavior had changed. For instance, the percentage of farmers replanting trees and shrubs increased from 64% in 1986 to 84% in 1996. - Funding schemes, such as grants for replanting and fencing, were effective in encouraging landcare activities, with 84% of farmers who received grants replanting and 78% fencing their land. - Factors promoting vegetation management included the recognition of the importance of native vegetation for ecological stability and the growth of the Landcare movement. However, lack of information on appropriate management practices and insufficient government support were significant barriers. - The survey also highlighted the need for better financial assistance and more detailed information on landcare practices, particularly in areas like local hydrology and the presence of rare species. The report concludes with recommendations for improving funding schemes and increasing the availability of information to support better vegetation management.The Native Vegetation on Farms Survey 1996, conducted in the wheatbelt region of Western Australia, aimed to assess farmers' attitudes towards native vegetation, landcare, and land degradation. The survey, conducted in five shires—Pingelly, Lake Grace, Dumbleyung, Tammin, and Kellerberrin—involved 145 farmers, primarily engaged in wheat and sheep farming. The survey was a follow-up to a similar 1986 study by Coates, focusing on changes in farmers' attitudes over the past decade and the effectiveness of funding schemes in promoting landcare activities. Key findings included: - Farmers' awareness of the ecological and conservation values of native vegetation remained high, but their behavior had changed. For instance, the percentage of farmers replanting trees and shrubs increased from 64% in 1986 to 84% in 1996. - Funding schemes, such as grants for replanting and fencing, were effective in encouraging landcare activities, with 84% of farmers who received grants replanting and 78% fencing their land. - Factors promoting vegetation management included the recognition of the importance of native vegetation for ecological stability and the growth of the Landcare movement. However, lack of information on appropriate management practices and insufficient government support were significant barriers. - The survey also highlighted the need for better financial assistance and more detailed information on landcare practices, particularly in areas like local hydrology and the presence of rare species. The report concludes with recommendations for improving funding schemes and increasing the availability of information to support better vegetation management.
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