Sally Chapman of Yarras today received a Private Land Conservation Grant for outstanding conservation efforts on her property "Lightning Rock".

“Part of Sally’s property is protected under a conservation agreement and this grant will help her realise her ideas and plans for continuing management of conservation on the property,” said Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife CEO Ms Leonie Gale.

Private Land Conservation Grants support owners of covenanted properties to conduct habitat or species conservation projects on their property. This year more than $73,000 was awarded to 25 landholders with conservation agreements.

Paddy Pallin Foundation Trustee, Mr Robert Pallin said “The program acknowledges people who do conservation on their own land and supports them in their long term commitment to conservation. Sally will receive $3000 for lantana control in Greater Glider habitat.”

"Parts of Lightning Rock were logged extensively in the 60's for use as seats and walls in the Sydney Opera House. Unfortunately for the land, lantana infestation has been its legacy. We have put in nearly 200 hours of personal labour but this important creek area must be dealt with very carefully." said Ms Chapman.

“Private conservation is extremely important because most land in Australia is privately owned, and protecting Australia’s native animals in their natural habitat is of great benefit to future generations,” said the Wildlife Land Trust’s Michael Kennedy.

“We are working in partnership with the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, the Paddy Pallin Foundation, the Wildlife Land Trust, the Diversicon Environmental Foundation and the Nature Conservation Trust of NSW to offer the grants as an effective way of working with the community to care for Australia’s natural and cultural heritage,” said the Office of Environment and Heritage Conservation Partners Program Manager Dr Lynn Webber.

For a full list of grant recipients see www.fnpw.org.au.

The next funding round will open in early 2011.