BioSecurity: Before entering parks, reserves or private property check that boots and clothes are free of weed seeds and of dirt, mud and stones that could carry spores and diseases
Bio Security takes many forms. We often see Bio Security on TV where officers are trying to prevent various, animal, insect and plant risks from entering the country at our borders by people trying to smuggle in various items (which may be infected).
Well, there are many borders, and in relation to the Lavender Walking and Cycling Trails the one most relevant is the road and trails we use.
SARTI is very keen to promote Bio Security to protect our trails and the neighbouring land surrounding them.
This is where YOU come into the picture. You may inadvertantly become an agent transfering some pest or disease as you use the trails. Our main aim is to make you aware of how easy it is to spread various ‘threats’ without realising it so that you can help prevent the spread.
As we become aware of any issues we will attempt to let you know on this page.
Also feel free to contact us if you feel concerned about a certain pest or disease as you use the trails (use our Report A Problem web form).
WEEDS
Please Don’t Spread These Thorny Weeds
Walking & Cycling
It’s that time of the year again, where thorny weeds take advantage of any moisture to grow and produce seeds during the warm/hot weather.
The seeds will stick to your shoes/boots/tyres (both cycles and car tyres)/possibly even clothing and your gear.
Some areas of the trail are badly affected by these weeds (especially this year), the thorns creating many puctures for cyclists; so much so that some sections of the trail have been re-rourted to avoid them.
REMOVE SEEDS WITH CAUTION: They can hurt!
What to do with the seeds: To prevent transporting both these weeds, remove seeds from boots and clothing. Best to use pointy nose pliers or tweezers (strong ones) – CAREFUL – they have very sharp spines. We suggest you take along a small sealable container to store the seeds so they do not spread.
Do not leave on the trail.
If you know of a great way to remove the seeds or dispose of them – please let us know – Contact Page.
STOP THE SPREAD!!!
Unfortunately the seeds are present ALL YEAR, so CHECKING FOR SEEDS IS A YEAR ROUND TASK, but doing so will help our trails and make our other trail users, councils & farmers happy too.
Three Corner Jack
Winter growing annual, Stems prostrate to semi-erect, Leaves ovate, stalked, hairless, Flowers tiny, green, Seeds in hard burrs each with 3 spines.
See information on Three Corner Jack at PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA))
Calthrop
Prostrate summer annual, Creeping stems spread from a central root, Blue-green leaves divided into oblong leaflets in 2 rows,
Flowers have 5 yellow petals, Burrs with sharp spines.
See information on Calthrop at PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA))
More advice on these and other items can be found on the WalkingSA website, giving more Biosecurity things to watch for and do, relevant to our trails.
STOP THE SPREAD! BUSHWALKING GUIDELINES TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT