LaSource was selected not only for it’s natural beauty and the opportunities it provides but also because it does have problems that need to be addressed, these include;
- Erosion due to Sodic soils and land use problems
- Some weed problems such as blackberry
- Treeless hills and thin topsoils
- Some areas which are not automatically regenerating.
- only 10% scattered tree and bush coverage
However the following ecological advantages exist
- Extensive native pastures
- Grazing not permitted for more than three years (Kangaroos and wallabies an exception)
- Scattered forest that can be developed at the edges
- A range of diverse micro-climates harboring different species
- Opportunities for developing a wildlife corridor not currently available
- Reasonable biodiversity in Grasslands flora
- A dam suitable for harvesting mud for mud brick building and the development of a natural water habitat
- An intermittent creek with some permanent water holes.
- Identified local species that can be supported by plantings.
- Wonderful neighbors with similar concerns for the environment.
- Adjoins a substantial reserve area with River frontage.
This means that LaSource provides the following natural systems opportunities (see elsewhere on this site for other Sustainable Practices initiatives).
- Research opportunities
- Grasslands flora and fauna
- Forest Flora an fauna
- Erosion abatement techniques
- Re-vegetation projects
- For erosion control
- Surface re-vegetation
- Wildlife corridor
- Threatened species support
- Bush foods
- Linkage to other local bush regeneration activities
- Land care
- Friends of the Mongarlowe river
- Local properties