All the planned on the ground projects were completed or expanded with the exception of one where the landholder had to withdraw due to ill health.

However, all projects generally took longer to complete than anticipated. The human factor and finances were sometimes more difficult to manage than the land degradation issues being addressed.

As other landholders showed an interest in the various NRM activities within the catchment they were linked to various other projects including waterway rehabilitation and protection and Bushcare related programs in the area.

The assistance of the Landcare Coordinator employed by the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee was invaluable at this stage.

1. To combat land degradation and rehabilitate salt affected land 21kms of fencing and 16ha of revegetation of creeklines, wetlands, and recharge areas was completed. Feedback was given to improve community uptake of waterways protection (crossings, watering points).
   
   Water harvesting and a program of deep-rooted perennial pasture planting and some salt tolerant species in susceptible areas has commenced.
   
   Some engineering solutions are also being investigated. Critical shallow water drainage to combat inundation was completed including shallow drains, 'w' drains, interceptor drains, stock crossings (culverts, fords), a sediment trap pond and strategic placement of water catchment dams. All drains were surveyed. Bore monitoring.
   
   The Dept of Agriculture placed piezometers at different sites within the catchment. A slight overall drop (see attached) has occurred since their installation in January 1999. Likely as a result of overall increase in vegetation cover including plantations. Seasons have been average. Surface water salinity readings have been conducted in the catchment at least biannually since the beginning of the project.
   
   Water is fresher higher in the catchment and saltiest at the saline seeps from dykes in the hillside. No information was available on source of ground water flow patterns. Although soaks and creeklines lower in the catchment are saltier, they are flushed quite well in the wetter months. Salinity readings were taken lower in the catchment but follow up readings will not be completed until perennials become well established.
   
   No noticeable change in the volume of surface water flowing down the hillsides has been noted in the catchment. Salt Seeps - there has been no reduction in the size of salt scalds from hillside seeps.
   
   From historical data it appears likely there has always been a certain amount of poorer country in the saline seep areas where vegetation has been sparser. Eider nose pumps were trialed as an alternative watering point but were found to be not reliable. Photograph points have been established throughout the catchment. Demonstration sites have been used to show management techniques.
   
   
2. To improve the productivity and profitability of farming land through the establishment of perennial pasture. This project has had the widest adoption in the shortest amount of time within the catchment. It requires a small outlay of project funds versus farmers' outlay for the proper establishment of the pasture. The landholders have agreed to share their establishment techniques with the larger community on a field day.
   
   It has a profitability link for the landholder whilst providing a high water use strategy for the catchment.

   Farm Diversification

   A number of properties have been assisted in development and marketing strategies for niche markets and alternative production eg wildflowers, horticulture, plantations Fifteen farmers will establish over 300 ha of perennial pasture this year.
   
   Agreements have been signed to ensure farmers maintain pasture for agreed period. A follow up field day will be organised in 2003 to share experiences and inspect pastures. The project is to be linked with an ongoing water quality monitoring project with the assistance of Water & Rivers Commission.
   
   Business Expo eg two wildflower businesses, two horticultural businesses and two fertiliser enterprises were assisted. Farmers were encouraged to attend. Prograze course run by the Dept of Agriculture.
   
   
3. To stimulate landholders in the hay River LCDC to form action groups. A total of six sub catchments have formed within the Hay River LCDC since the beginning of the project. A bus tour and Expo (assistance through International Years of the Volunteers) of the sub catchment was held to showcase the achievements of the group.
   
   Field days and workshops held for the group were open to all landholders in the area to promote better management techniques to landholders in surrounding catchments, as well as benefit our own landholders. Six groups have been formed. Over 80 landholders have been involved in groups and over half of these have been involved in actual on ground activities. Over 60 people from neighbouring sub catchments attended the bus tour.
   
   The following Expo was also an opportunity to display the diverse farming business enterprises in the Narrikup district, and the latest computer modelling at the Catchment level and other NRM research in the catchment area. Various groups and agencies attended.
   
   
4. To plan on a catchment basis to assist landholders to understand how their actions have an effect on other landholders and the health of the environment. The Hay Sheepwash Sub Catchment Plan was completed in 2000, with the help of all landholders and the catchment support team made up of technical staff from the Department of Agriculture, Water and Rivers Commission, CALM and Bushcare support officers.
   
   A Farm Business Planning Workshop was held to help farmers put together financial and physical farm plans. There were 10 foundation families that attended the property planning workshops. Six completed physical farm plans for accreditation. This process was assisted by selection in the Focus catchment process.
   
   The group met in addition to this at least 4 to 5 times per year and is still networking through an established communication tree and database. A completed catchment plan was distributed to all landholders in the sub catchment. There were 6 attendees at the farm business-planning workshop that completed physical and financial farm plans.
   
   A number of field days and workshops were held in the planning stages for the landholders within the catchment eg. Better Business Course, developing farm plans, drainage techniques, farm diversification.
   
   The property business planning course was very difficult to coordinate because of some part time farmers, but produced the most dramatic results. Succession planning, financial management and an Internet introduction were the most popular sessions.
   
   The sessions were the catalyst for some major business restructuring.
   
   
5. To integrate strategic revegetation projects, with water management techniques 16 ha of revegetation completed along drains waterways and recharge areas. Establishment of over 300 ha of deep rooted perennial pastures in low lying and recharge areas.
   
   Hot Spot sites have been identified and mapped in the Hay Sheepwash sub catchment. A survey and mapping process has been developed from this project to use for other catchments.
   
   The standards for data input have been also negotiated with the Regional Information Centre, and a local GIS operator employed to capture the data. Data included was project sites, priority 1st and 2nd order streams, and significant remnant bush sites
   
   
6. To improve the biodiversity of flora and fauna species in our area for future generations. Over 12km of fencing to protect of remnant vegetation in addition to other Bushcare projects promoted throughout the region. A seed collection and revegetation workshop was held. Revegetation techniques and understanding improved.
   
   Direct seeding improved, use of local species and importance of understorey species emphasised.
   
   The advent of more technical officers in the field, in both Rivercare and Bushcare later in the project led to more detailed technical advice at project sites.
   
   An annual vermin control program has been conducted including a calici virus release last year. Weed awareness program was conducted and a weed coordinator appointed. A bridal creeper program is being conducted in the upper catchment, and a containment program for Patterson's curse in the lower Catchment and a dock moth program.
   
   Other potential weeds have been identified and information distributed on management techniques. Fauna and Flora surveys have been completed. 91 bird species have been identified, and three herbarium volumes of native flora have been compiled. Three farms have `Land For Wildlife' status. Three rare or endangered species have been identified within the catchment in conjunction with CALM, and this is an ongoing program. Direct seeding demonstration sites.