Section Performance criteria for recovery object - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (National Recovery Plan for the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis)) Instrument 2025 - Performance criteria for recovery objective 1:

Performance criteria for recovery objective 1:

 By 2034, the size of the wild Wollemi Pine population has been maintained or increased compared to current population estimates with no loss of genetic diversity and no declines in plant health.

 By 2034, the extent of pathogens such as Phytophthora spp. in the wild stands is being controlled, further infections are being halted, and infected trees are being effectively treated to the extent practicable.

 By 2034, the risk of damage to the wild Wollemi Pine stands from bushfire and bushfire management activities has been reduced.

 By 2034, the wild Wollemi Pine population remains free of invasive woody weeds, vertebrate pest impacts, and adverse changes in water quality and hydrology.

Table 2 Actions to protect and maintain the wild population and its habitat

Action	Description	Detail
1.1	Protect the wild population from unauthorised visitation by continuing to implement the Wollemi Pine Access Strategy.	The Wollemi Pine Access Strategy aims to minimise damage to Wollemi Pines through trampling, soil compaction or erosion, spread of pathogens, which impact habitat stability, recruitment and cause dieback and mortality. The Strategy describes the circumstances in which authorised personnel may lawfully visit the Wollemi Pine wild population to conduct essential research, monitoring or management activities.
1.2	Develop and implement a disease management plan to reduce the spread and impact of pathogens, particularly Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. multivora, on the wild Wollemi Pine population.	To protect the Wollemi Pine from the impacts of pathogenic Phytophthora species and other microbial pathogens, it is necessary to prevent the introduction of novel pathogens and the spread of existing pathogens within stands. This is to be achieved by the development and implementation of a disease management plan and risk mitigation protocols developed in line with the requirements of the CAP. These documents will be utilised in conjunction with pre-existing standard operating procedures for hygiene management and the Wollemi Pine Access Strategy to protect the species from the spread of pathogens. The following guidelines are to be used in development of the management plan and risk mitigation protocols.Prevention:Restrict visits to the wild stands as per Action 1.1.All authorised personnel visiting the wild Wollemi Pine population will be required to thoroughly disinfect all footwear, clothing and equipment in accordance with the adopted Site Hygiene Protocol prior to entering the area.Reduce populations of disease vectors as per Action 1.5.Control/mitigate impacts:Conduct soil sampling and analysis in response to observations of symptomatic Wollemi Pine or co-occurring species.Any further outbreaks of pathogens in the stands will be treated as an emergency and dealt with promptly and effectively using expert advice available through the RBGDT, NSW Department of Primary Industries and the national Phytophthora Threat Abatement Plan working group.Where practical, symptomatic trees will be treated according to the disease management plan.Research, consultation and improvement:Research outcomes will inform future treatment methods as per Action 2.5.In accordance with the CAP, the Recovery Team will regularly review approved procedures for minimising the risk of introducing pathogens to the wild Wollemi Pine population, and to translocated stands, as appropriate.The Recovery Team will maintain a list of appropriate contacts within NSW DCCEEW, RBGDT and other organisations with Phytophthora and other pathogen management expertise.
1.3	Develop and implement the Wollemi Pine Fire Management Strategy.	The Wollemi Pine Fire Management Strategy, which is being developed under the CAP, provides additional actions to deliver tailored wildfire suppression critical to the conservation of the Wollemi Pine and its habitat. The strategy details advanced fire suppression actions including broadscale catchment hazard reduction activities and continuation of rapid aerial response programs for early detection and suppression of wildfires, many of which are already being implemented. Data logging of site conditions of the wild population will be used to inform appropriate responses to drying conditions and increasing fire danger. As this technology continues to advance this may be able to occur remotely.
1.4	Manage weeds in the Wollemi Pine catchment.	Annual monitoring of blackberry and other woody perennial weed incursions in the catchment of the wild Wollemi Pine population will be carried out and treatment of infestations will occur when NPWS, in consultation with the Recovery Team, concludes that the infestation could adversely affect the wild Wollemi Pine population.Weed control within the Wollemi Pine catchment will be carried out using best practice and low-impact methods.
1.5	Manage pest species in the Wollemi Pine catchment.	Pest management operations are undertaken for feral pig (Sus scrofa), feral goats (Capra hircus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Aerial shooting of both deer and pigs has been undertaken annually and numbers culled between 2019 and 2023 have significantly increased, indicating that populations have also significantly increased. NPWS will continue to work with neighbours and Local Land Services to prioritise and coordinate pest animal control within the Wollemi Pine catchment and identify additional pest species.
1.6	Manage the risk of adverse changes in water quality and hydrology in the Wollemi Pine catchment.	NPWS will seek the co-operation of all relevant authorities and stakeholders, if appropriate, in the management of water quality and hydrology in the catchment. Through this action, NPWS will ensure that the risk of pollution (including chemical, oil and fuel spills) and other adverse changes to water quality and the hydrology of the catchment of the Wollemi Pine stands are minimised.
1.7	Conduct further systematic surveys to detect previously unknown stands of Wollemi Pine.	Surveys will be conducted throughout WNP and surrounds to detect any undiscovered Wollemi Pine stands and facilitate their active management and conservation. Where applicable, new technologies and advanced survey techniques will be used to identify suitable locations to survey.

A juvenile wollemi pine tree growing beneath a shaded canopy of mature wollemi pine trees.

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