Exclosure plots were created in the 1980’s on Crown land on the top of the range to determine the impact of rabbit and kangaroo grazing on the diversity of the understorey. These were subsequently monitored to record the impact these animals were having on native vegetation. Numerous exclusion plots were also erected on members' properties throughout the ranges. These were planted with many of the rare or localised shrubs and herbs that had been contract grown for the group through grants. The aim was that the exclosures act as seed banks for the eventual migration of these depleted and protected plants out into the surrounding land once rabbits were brought under control. On many of the sites this proved to be a successful approach. In 2023 the group is now auditing, restoring and expanding the collection of exclosure plots throughout the Range.
Rabbit control has been the most time consuming and frustrating task for landholders prior to the Calicivirus decimating numbers for some years. Rabbit proof netting of properties, 1080 baiting, fumigation, implosion and ripping of warrens and shooting have all been employed to keep the rabbits under control. Given the difficult terrain in the range and increasing rabbit immunity to Calicivirus, rabbit control continues to be challenging ongoing work.
Weed Control has been and continues to be demanding work, with regular annual spraying or removal of Boneseed, Bridal Creeper, St Johns Wort, Cape Tulip, Gorse, Blackberry, Paterson’s Curse and in more recent times the South African Weed Orchid has been undertaken.
Restoring understorey species on properties around the fringe of the Black Range has been a common theme for planting projects with many of the tasty herbs and lilies being destroyed by rabbits or previous grazing. Increasing the diversity of vegetation has been the goal of many landholders.
The Black Range Information and Management Guide was developed by BRLMG founding member Elwyn Dennis in 2003 with funds from Wimmera Catchment Management Authority. It provided a comprehensive resource to inform and guide land management approaches to Black Range.
A direct seeding corridor between the Black Range and Sugarloaf was established through a LEAP Scheme of youth employment facilitated by Phil Williams. For 6 months the team worked on rabbit proof fencing of the 3.5km long corridor, followed by 50km of spraying and direct seeding. The results were amazing and today the corridor resembles a forest and provides habitat for wildlife.
