You are here: Tussock Grasslands MIS Site Contents Blue Tussock Grasslands Management options Conservation Select from: Identification Habitat Other spp. present Vegetation history Background management information

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Blue tussock occurs naturally within snow tussock and lowland grasslands. However, grasslands dominated by Blue tussock have been induced from the depletion of snow tussock grasslands by repeated burning and/or grazing. These grasslands will require grazing management to prevent succession to snow tussock grasslands or subalpine scrubland.

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

• Pest control
  Feral animals e.g. deer, chamois, goats, hares can have a significant impact on blue tussock.

• Establish a buffer zone to protect grassland from the management impacts of neighbouring grasslands (e.g. seed and fertiliser drift, grazing, fire risk etc.).

• Weed control
  • Weeds such as Hieracium pilosella and exotic conifers may be present in and below the penalpine zone directly above the natural tree line. 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.