Yelta Landcare Group has an established track record of identifying, mapping, containing and eradicating environmental weed infestations.

Since Yelta Landcare Group was established in 1995 they have undertaken significant environmental weed control throughout the area.
Significant infestations of boxthorn, prickly pear and more recently boneseed and bridal creeper have been contained or eradicated.
Funding has been provided through VAPSGL 2nd Generation Landcare Grants for much of the work.
An original goal of Yelta Landcare Group was to 'Reduce regeneration of boxthorn by 80% over the landcare group area'.  This goal seemed aspirational at the time but has since become a reality.

The Merbein Common is very popular for tourists and locals due to it's sandy bank, safe swimming location, beautiful camping areas and toilets. This project will be of great benefit to both the environment and the local community.

The removal of Boxthorn and Prickly acacia will protect and enhance existing wildlife habitat and improve the condition of local ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) in Merbein Common. The removal of these invasive weeds will improve the amenity of the Merbein Common, making the area safe for bush walkers and bike riders to access the many walking tracks in the area and explore the native vegetation.

Landcare members mapped existing infestations of Boxthorn and Prickly pear within the project area. Following initial removal of large infestations by contractors, Landcare group members carried out follow up weed control.