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As a result of previous low water flows, temporary disconnection of a number of water bodies along the river was undertaken in order to reduce the volume lost to evaporation. Resulting from the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray Prescribed Watercourse., a water allocation of 200GL of these savings from evaporation was endorsed for wetlands along the River Murray coming from South Australia’s entitlement flow of 1850GL per annum. In March and April the RWLAP organised the re-wetting of three disconnected wetlands within the region with part of this allocation.

Jaeschke Lagoons between Waikerie and Loxton has already been filled utilising a pump .This action was considered to be financially more economic than removing, and replacing when the lagoon was full, the earthen barrier, across the inlet channel connecting the wetland to the river.

The structure stopping flow between the river and Hart Lagoon has been opened and will remain so until the 30th of June or until the lagoons fills. At normal Lock 2 pool level (6.1 mAHD) the water in Hart Lagoon covers an area of approximately 55 ha. The wetland is extremely shallow, less than 0.5m over the majority of its surface. Reeds in the inlet channel may be restricting flow rates into the lagoons so subsequently the lagoon if filling slowly. Already a group from Flinders University lead by Dr John L. Hutson School of Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences has investigated vegetation, salinity and soil conditions on the lagoon and interesting data should become available regarding the effects of re-wetting the lagoon.

Nigra Wetland Schillers Lagoon has a head difference of 3 meters from the upstream structure to the downstream structure due to the Lock which allows significant flow through the system when all structures are open For this reason the downstream structure has only had 2 boards removed As the water fills Nigra wetlands and reaches the bottom structure it will slowly overflow through the opening created by the removal of only 2 boards and as such should not create a strong flow into the inlet channel of Schillers lagoon so minimising any erosion in this area.

Brenda Park Scotts Creek Wetland Group have entered into an agreement with SARDI to help investigate Integrated Pest Management. SARDI will be undertaking experiments to document the impacts of pests species on Wetlands. Brenda Park Scotts Creek Wetland was chosen because it is a priority wetland. The community group actively assists with ecological monitoring at the wetland and promotes wetland monitoring and restoration activities where possible and Prince Alfred College camp next door at Scott’s Creek is also keen to be involved where possible.

Fenced enclosures have been constructed within Brenda Park wetland to monitor the ecological response to carp removal, by comparing the diversity and abundance of fish, vegetation, macroinvertebrates and water quality among ‘exclusion’ & ‘control’ plots located within ‘Edge’, ‘Open Water’ and ‘Deep Open Water’ habitats the first round of sampling to begin in October and key results will be distributed as they occur.

A Two part project is progressing at Hogwash Bend, to help protect the Regent Parrot (Eastern sub-species) Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides. This bird is currently listed as vulnerable species. Part One of the project is to give the parrots more food options and investigate any food plant preferences for plantings in the future. Two student groups from the University of South Australia have assisted, with observing parrots and recording the plants on which they were seen feeding. The project team is using this information to collect seed from a number of likely shrubs, and will plant these around the colony in May this year. Volunteer assistance will be required on Sunday the 24th of May to undertake these plantings. The progressive change in land use from mallee to agriculture around the river has meant Regent Parrots have to travel longer distances (several times a day) in search of food to feed their young. Ultimately, by providing food plants around the colony or to help create corridors of vegetation to feeding sites the project team is hoping to save the Hogwash parrots this long trip.