Tree Dieback Project in just 4 years
Tree Dieback Project in just 4 years
14 biodiversity plots in the ground and funding in place for a further 14.
Taking Action -
LLCI027-003
The issue
The Monaro region of NSW is suffering a eucalyptus (predominantly Eucalyptus viminalis, Ribbon Gum) dieback event over an area of >2000 km2 (the size of the ACT). This dieback has severely fractured a habitat classified as endangered by both the NSW and Federal Governments (‘Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands’).
The lost habitat (ie mainly Eucalyptus viminalis trees) provide considerable values in the landscape including: habitat for small bush birds, reptiles and terrestrial and arboreal wildlife that make use of a dense and broad canopy cover, ribbony bark strips for bird (eagle) nest building; erosion control and shade/wind protection for stock in an area of relatively few trees.
The solution
We believe that restoration on as many properties as physically possible will be required as an earnest response to imminently replace lost biodiversity and tackle this extensive tree dieback phenomenon.
Our ultimate goal is to restore vegetation to dieback affected areas across the Monaro by inspiring landholders to follow our example. The specific goals of this project are to (a) kick-start this process by establishing revegetation plots that are highly visible to the whole community, (b) determine the best ways to ensure survival of newly planted trees through trialling of planting strategies, and (c) widely promote our activities among the landholder community to motivate them to take on the role of restoration in the future.
While there are many theories on why the trees have perished, we look forward to working with scientists to try and isolate the cause.
The impact
Planted in 2016, the four earliest plots, situated in the visual corridor between Cooma and Berridale, and in the dieback epicentre, have fared remarkably well with a 60% survival rate which we consider good for the extreme climate variations typical of the Monaro. In 2017 and 2018 another 10 biodiversity plots have been planted, 8 on landholder properties and 2 on Travelling Stock Reserves. These plots are being monitored and so far with a similar survival percentage as above. Funding is in place for another 14 biodiversity plots to go in across the dieback region over the next three years.
Greening Australia, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Ministers Conservation Trust, National Landcare Project Environmental Trust are the key funders to date. Greening Australia has been a key partner as they roll out a Bush Connect Project over 10 years.
Key facts
- A cause has not been identified for massive tree dieback on the Monaro.
- The key species targetted has been Eucalyptus viminalis.
- Other species may be involved.
- Revegetation not easy with low rainfall, high winds, extreme heat and sub-zero temperatures.