Gippsland region << BACK TO CONTENTS In 2016, majestic black swans at Sale Common had the biggest breeding boom in a decade as water for the environment flowed into reed beds and swamps. Water was provided to the lower Latrobe wetlands of Sale Common and Dowd Morass during 2016–17. These wetlands are a vital part of the internationally recognised Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site and provide habitats for a variety of birds. “Environmental flows in June 2016 slowly filled the Sale Common, providing clear water that prompted good growth of aquatic plants,” said West Gippsland CMA Waterways Project Manager David Stork. “Plant growth was also helped by the low numbers of carp, which were screened from the wetland,” he said. “Then in July, natural flooding filled the wetland with more turbid water and unfortunately lots of carp, but this flow, combined with water previously delivered, triggered the black swan breeding event. This was a spectacle for locals and visitors and great for the environment.” A constant stream of sightseers enjoyed the Sale Common River Heritage and Wetlands Trail, taking in the spectacle of the swans. The 15-kilometre walk provides an immersive experience in the wetlands. The boardwalk winds its way through a variety of habitats, starting from the edge of the swamp, through deeper water, past islands and through a small reed bed, with a bird hide located near the eastern end of the boardwalk. 1 Keeping Sale Common healthy through the water for the environment program benefits everyone. Its environmental values, natural beauty and recreational opportunities are enjoyed by the many visitors to the Common each year. The Heart Morass wetland, also in the lower part of the Latrobe system, is once again brimming with life after a decade of restoration works followed by the delivery of environmental water in early 2016. Last year’s watering helped provide a burst of growth for wetland plants and food for the waterbirds. Waterway manager: West Gippsland CMA Storage manager: Southern Rural Water Site Latrobe River Heart Morass1 Sale Common1 Dowd Morass1 Volume delivered in 2016–17 (ML) 3,713 No active deliveries Water was diverted into Sale Common from the Latrobe River Water was diverted into Dowd Morass from the Latrobe River The VEWH’s environmental entitlement in the lower part of the Latrobe system allows the diversion of water from the Latrobe River into Heart Morass, Dowd Morass and/or Sale Common at any time when specified river heights are met. The volume of water diverted into the wetlands is not measured. 17 | Victorian Environmental Water Holder
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