This project aimed to increase landholders' knowledge and use of improved management practices to improve soil health and reduce water quality impacts from livestock, throughout the North East of Victoria and the Corowa Shire in New South Wales. The project used dung beetles as the focus species to promote and encourage participation in integrated property management planning, livestock, chemical and pasture management training.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Volunteer dung beetle monitoring
The Project aimed to set up 100 monitoring sites across North East Victoria and Corowa shire (NSW). The sites were monitored regularly by volunteers over a 12 -24 month period. The results provide important information on:
*what species are present across the region
*the activity period of species (eg November - March)
*geographical and seasonal gaps in dung beetle activity.
The data will used to plan future releases of dung beetles
A series of dung beetle identification and monitoring workshops were held across the region during February 2009.
Species trials
Soil cores and tents were established at strategic locations across the region to trial a number of species that were not known to be established in the area. The trIal results were planned to give an indication of whether these species should be considered for future introductions.
Dung Beetle Releases
The monitoring results will be used to determine where further dung beetle releases are required throughout the area. It is likely that the focus of releases will be autumn and winter-active species.
Field Days
A number of themed field days were held across the region during 2009. These focussed on caring for dung beetles, parasite and grazing management, soil health and carbon sequestration potential.  The field days were popular events.
Newsletters
A newsletter outlining project activities and monitoring results was distributed on a regular basis. You can see the newsletters in the Newsletter folder below.
 
This project funded by