This project is focusing on demonstration and evaluation of likely rehabilitation techniques for one of the most degraded landscapes in Western Australia.  The Nangetty Valley (north of Mingenew) is severely eroded and contributes the majority of the sediment load in the Irwin River system.  The soils within the valley are unique and extremely erodible and as such require special treatment to stabilize.  Likewise the vegetation is predominantly made up of saltbushes and other arid landscape plants.

Unfortunately the valley is far from productive and economics of stabilization / revegetation limit the ability of landholders to take them up.

Thus this project is implementing large-scale demonstrations of a range of stabilization options.  The options to be demonstrated and tested include:

Ø  Gully fill / land reclamation

Ø  Revegetation of different parts of the landscape with a focus on

o   Destocking to allow natural regeneration of saltbushes and blue bushes, etc

o   Planting of ‘other’ saltbush species

o   Planting via a range of methods of native species such as Acacia

o   Planting on northern-facing, breakaway slopes which are currently denuded

Ø  Destocking - permanent

Ø  Development of alternative, best management grazing practices (i.e. cattle only during winter, etc)

The project will allow farmers owning parts of the valley to see first hand the works and observe the impact over a period of time.  Farmers will also be able to evaluate the cost effectiveness of each option as each will be costed out in full detail (i.e. cost and return on investment).