Landcare - Umuwa Project 1

After the success of the Warburton Landcare project, it was decided to complete some demonstration plots on the AP Lands in the top end of South Australia. Hence in March 93 the Land Conservation Unit (CCNT) from Alice Springs joined with the Pitjantjatjara Council Land Management Unit to complete these demonstration plots.

The National Landcare Program (NLP) replaced the National Soil Conservation Program (NSCP) and funds were once again available for this project. AP Roads supplied a road grader and accommodation while Pitjantjatjara Council supplied funding and equipment. The Land Conservation Unit brought their equipment for the direct seeding work as well as a seed harvester for harvesting local grass seed. Buffel grass had been used in revegetation work for many years because seed was available. With the increased interest in direct seeding work around Australia, the harvesting of local seed was now possible using simplified equipment.

Three sites were chosen for direct seeding work:

1. An area of land adjacent to the Umuwa Resource Centre
2. An area of land on a cattle lease north of Umuwa (Turkey Bore)
3. An area of land in the Ernabella creek floodout (south of Mc Caul bore)