Landholders tackle thorny problem in the Capertee Valley

9 May 2008, 11:21am

Landholder John Thirlwall has completed stage one of Honey Locust control on his property at Glen Davis.

Local residents at Glen Davis have mounted a fight back against the spiky weed Honey Locust (or Gleditsia) and are beginning to see success as they clear the weed from river banks, roadsides and pastures around the township.

The tree was originally introduced from North America to Glen Davis as an ornamental 50 years ago, but in the past decade it has spread rapidly.

Robert Meyer from the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority (HNCMA), said the weed has spread three kilometres along the Capertee River below the bridge at Glen Davis and is scattered across 200 hectares of council roads and private property.

"Honey Locust becomes very dense when it matures and it destroys land productivity. It is also hazardous to humans and cattle and the spikes regularly cause tyre punctures," said Mr Meyer.

The Hawkesbury-Nepean CMA is investing $60,000 in tackling the problem in the valley and has already assisted two landholders to control the weed on two kilometres of the Capertee River.

Landholder John Thirlwall got involved because "the spiky tree was a real worry."

"It was spreading so rapidly so it is good to see something being done about it," said Mr Thirlwall.

The second stage of the project in 2008 will involve another three landholders as well as Lithgow City Council, National Parks & Wildlife Service and the Department of Lands. Follow-up work will be done on the original two kilometre stretch of river and then other outbreaks will be controlled along the last kilometre of river in the National Park.

"This next stage will also tackle other invasive woody weeds in the area such as African Olive, Tree of Heaven, Firethorn, Cotoneaster and Hawthorn," said Mr Meyer.

"Roadside infestations are currently being controlled in autumn and large trees will be removed by contractors and Lithgow Council over the winter months," he said.

The Capertee Valley Environment Group is running workdays and is keen for more volunteers. For more information call Veronica Nolan on 6379 7200.