Publication Date

1988

Series Number

62

Abstract

The inventory and condition survey of rangelands in the Ashburton River catchment, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 1976 and 1978, describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the natural area’s resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The area surveyed covers approximately 93 600km² and includes the catchment of the Ashburton River and part of the catchment of the Yannarie River. About 65% (61 130km²) of the area is occupied by 30 pastoral leases. The remaining 35% (32 470km²) consists of reserves of various kinds, and vacant crown land which is unsuitable for pastoral purposes. The worst areas of degredation and erosion are on the most valuable pasture lands. These areas are readily accessible, close to permanent water supplies and support attractive pastures. Therefore, they received preferential overuse in the early days of settlement, and sensitive parts are now seriously degraded.

Number of Pages

318

Keywords

Vegetation, Ashburton River region (WA), Land capability, Soil surveys, Western Australia, Soil degradation, Rangelands

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