SUPERSEDED Compiled Plans OPW20/0145.02

4.7. Clearing Methodology

        a) After under scrubbing of each area is complete, non-habitat trees (i.e. trees other
            than those identified as habitat trees) will be cleared and stockpiled for mulching.
            Clearing of non-habitat trees will only occur where their removal will not impact on
            identified habitat trees (e.g. canopies do not interconnect with habitat trees).
        b) After under scrubbing and clearing on non-habitat trees, an elevated work platform
            or EWP will be used in conjunction with a chainsaw operator and suitably qualified
            fauna spotter/catcher to inspect and remove hollows a necessary prior to habitat tree
            felling. This method involves the fauna spotter/catcher inspecting each of the
            potential habitat features (usually hollows, dreys and arboreal termite nests) to
            determine the presence of arboreal fauna. This process is detailed following the step
            by step basis below:
            1. The fauna spotter/catcher (with arborist unless the fauna spotter/catcher is a
                  qualified chainsaw operator) will inspect each visible hollow or potential habitat
                  resource (i.e. ringtail possum drey) identified in each tree using the EWP. This is
                  usually carried out by simply looking into hollows with the assistance of a small
                  torch, however, burrow and bore-scopes can also be useful for deep hollows.
            2. If fauna is located within a hollow, a piece of towel or rag will be firmly laced in
                  the entrance to prevent the wildlife form escaping as in most cases arboreal fauna
                  become aware of the presence of the fauna spotter/catcher and may attempt to
                  flee the nesting/denning hollow due to a perceived threat. If an occupied ringtail
                  possum drey is encountered, the fauna spotter/catcher should quietly approach
                  (i.e. avoid contacting other branches) the drey in the EWP bucket and physically
                  capture the possum by placing the entire drey in a catch bag or only the possum
                  if it emerges from the drey.
            3. Once the hollow entrance has been secured the arborist or fauna spotter/catcher
                  will cut the entire hollow limb off below the cavity where the branch remains
                  solid. In circumstances where a hollow continues into the main stem of the tree,
                  a small window will be carefully cut into the hollow, allowing the fauna
                  spotter/catcher to plug the hollow above and below the window, then the hollow
                  limb removed and lowered to the ground in sections.
            4. When the fauna has been safely secured within its hollow, the entire limb can
                  then be placed in the EWP bucket or lowered to the ground using ropes depending
                  on the size of the limb.
            5. This limb will then be placed in a cool, quiet location until translocation to the
                  recipient habitat site, when at dusk the follow entrance is re-opened to allow the
                  fauna to emerge of its own accord.
   (f) Provide a written report to council following clearing that addresses the following:
       Fauna Report detailing:
            (i) The length of clearing time.
            (ii) Animal trapping prior to and during clearing.
            (iii) Animal relocations.
            (iv) Fauna injuries and euthanisations.
            (v) Monitoring findings from nest boxes


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