SOUTH East protected native species sallow wattle (acacia longifolia) has became a threatening pest away from the coast.
While not an officially declared pest, Natural Resources South East is encouraging control work to stop further spread.
Natural Resources management officer Alan Robins said local forest management company Timberlands Pacific was taking on the initiative to control the potential threat.
“We have identified sallow wattle spreading along roadsides from Penola to Casterton,” Mr Robins said.
“This area of concern has seen infestations spread into pine plantations, which can impede harvesting and maintenance operations.
“With this in mind, we consulted with Timberlands forester Kim Thomas to organise their summer fire crew to undertake control along a four kilometre section near the roadside.”
Sallow wattle can be identified by its smooth bark, thin and narrow leaves and flowers from winter to spring with yellow spike-like clusters.
Early control is performed by cutting trunks and stems low to the ground using chainsaws or hand tools.
Timberlands Pacific completed control work earlier this year with great results and was able to remove pine wildings at the same time.
These control measures have allowed other non-invasive native species to regenerate in areas where sallow wattle could have become dominant, outcompeting others and creating a potential fire hazard.
“We encourage industries to get involved in pest control for the benefit of their business and for the improvement of our natural resources,” Mr Robins said.
“The future plan is to do further work to combat sallow wattle along the northern side of Casterton Road adjoining Timberlands Pacific plantations in 2019.”
For more information and advice on pest plants and how to control them, contact your local Natural Resources Management office.
Visit naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast for further information.
