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Maintaining an Alpine Fescue Tussock (Festuca matthewsii) grassland

Festuca matthewsii grasslands naturally would have occured in localised pockets in the penalpine and above the original tree line. However, the majority are thought to have been induced from the depletion of snow tussock grasslands by repeated burning and grazing.

NOTE: Grazing may be required to maintain Alpine Fescue Tussock as a significant component.

GUIDELINE:
  • Lightly graze if snow tussocks or native woody shrubs start to encroach on induced short tussock grassland. Fence grassland if grazing is necessary- to prevent stock grazing other adjacent vegetation communities (e.g. C. macra which is very palatable to stock)

  • Pest control not relevant because this grass thrives under grazing

  • Weed control

    • Weeds such as Hieracium spp. and exotic conifers may be present. for more information on weed control.

  • Monitor to determine success of the management option, and status of weed and animal pest populations. for more information on monitoring in tussock grasslands.