Beaconsfield Nature Conservation Reserve (BNCR)
This area is of high regional significance and protects an important area of remnant vegetation with significant conservation values including threatened Grassy Forest ecosystems. Four species listed as rare and of State significance are found at the BNCR; Green Scentbark (Eucalyptus fulgens), Cobra Greenhood Orchid (Pterostylis grandiflora), Dandenong Range Cinnamon Wattle (Acacia leprosa) and Powelltown Correa (Correa reflexa var. lobata).
The Cardinia Environment Coalition (CEC) was appointed the Committee of Management under sections 14(2) & 14(3) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 on December 20 2005. While the CEC is the appointed Committee of Management for the BNCR, the DSE has an overarching responsibility to ensure that all areas within the protected area are managed appropriately. Consequently, the CEC are bound by regulations stipulated in the Crown Land (Reserves) (Nature Conservation Reserve) Regulations 2004 to ensure that the site’s values, heritage, habitats, ecosystems and species are preserved.
Legislative changes made in late 2005 permanently reserved the Beaconsfield Reservoir as a Nature Conservation Reserve under Section 13 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 for the purpose of ‘nature conservation’. Further legislation was proclaimed under the Otways and Other Amendments Act to create the Beaconsfield Nature Conservation Reserve. As a Reserve, the BNCR is considered equivalent in status to that of a National Park therefore acknowledging its significant environmental contribution not only to the local Cardinia area, but to the State of Victoria.
Nature Conservation Reserves “are set aside primarily to conserve species of plants and animals that may be rare or endangered, critical habitat, or other plant associations and animals that have particular conservation significance” (Parks Victoria, 2003).
As the Committee of Management, the CEC is required to develop and submit a Management Plan to the Department of Sustainability & Environment within 2 years of their appointment. The development of this Draft Management Plan occurred over a period of time involving the expertise of a range of specialists in the fields of flora, fauna, archaeology, limnology, pest and weed management, fire ecology, community engagement and risk management.
If you would like to become involved or find out more about BNCR, details are below
Information flyer: click here bncr-flyer-trifold-general
BNCR Friends – click here BNCR flyer
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