AREA SURVEY 1999
Areas of public land in the Strzelecki Ranges presently not reserved
and under the
management of Hancocks or DNRE to be considered for reserve status.
Areas of public land in the Strzelecki Ranges presently not reserved
and under the management of Hancocks or DNRE to be considered for reserve status.
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This paper accompanies the map overlay prepared by Kim Devenish and Ian Hemphill.
It lists areas of the Strzelecki State Forest to be considered for reservation status, divided into 35 sections, some of which are divided into further sub-sections. They are numbered starting from the eastern end and roughly moving west. There are 8 areas separated from the main body. The remainder are connected in some way. Areas 1, 19c, 19f, 19g and 27 are DNRE land. Contrary to the title of this paper, Areas 6 and 19e are private land. Areas 19d, 19h and 35 are areas of public state forest leased to Amcor. The rest is State Forest leased to Hancocks Victorian Plantations. The existing reserves which appear on map are not given a number, but instead are listed at the end. Some other areas are also listed, but do not appear on map: Grays Bush, Alberton West State Forest, Gellions Run, proposed Mirboo regional park, Mt Worth State Park, Morwell National Park, Jack river reserve, Mays Bush reserve
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Key to Abbreviations:
- Where the line "Parts of this block could remain unreserved" appears, it indicates that Kim recognises that varying degrees of leeway is possible in parts of these areas. This is stated in areas 22, 20, 9, 16, 14, 24, 26, 29, 30. The issue requires far more detailed discussion, and the areas may need further division into sub-sections.
-Where the line "LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm these planted areas" occurs, it indicates that on comparing VPC 1999 maps with LEGL 1993 maps (used in the vesting process) that extra planted areas appear on 1999 maps suggesting that either: 1) they were planted post 1992 or 2) that either 1993 or 1999 maps are wrong. Further investigation of these areas is necessary.
-When the line 'pines established within designated hardwood zones' occurs, (sectors 11 and 22) it is referring to the Land Conservation Council Final Recommendations Map 1982 which indicates hardwood zones, softwood zones and future softwood zones for the Strzelecki State Forest.
-Where the line 'LEGL maps indicate plantings ...', it refers to the dates shown on LEGL maps used in the vesting process obtained from the Central Plan Office . Dates appear within a dotted line as per usual forestry logging coupe maps. Dates may indicate logging and regeneration times or reafforestation on previously cleared land.
- When referring to LCC recommendations, it refers to 1982 map and report.
- When referring to LCC vegetation types, it refers to 1980 Land Conservation Council map. LCC vegetation type codes mentioned throughout are briefly decoded as follows:
1a Mature or regrowth mountain ash, open forest taller than 40 metres (accompanied by several other eucalypt species, rainforest trees and acacias and various ground vegetation).
LCC acknowledged that subdivisions of 1a were not shown.
1b Planted mountain ash, open forest taller than 40 metres (accompanied by acacias and various ground vegetation) LCC acknowledged that subdivisions of 1b were not shown.
2a Messmate open forest 27-40 metres (accompanied by grey gum, blue gum, manna gum, peppermint, swamp gum, stringybark, blackwood and variety of ground vegetation)
2b Yellow stringybark forest 27-40 metres (accompanied by blue gum, grey gum, messmate, acacias and ground vegetation)
3a Open messmate forest 15-27 metre(accompanied by peppermint, yertchuk, scent bark, grey gum, manna gum, swamp gum, stringybark, acacias and ground vegetation)
3b Yellow stringy bark open forest 15-27 metres (accomp by similar vegetation as 3a)
3d Yertchuk open forest 15-27 metres (often in pure stands, sometimes with peppermint, stringybark, messmate, banksia and ground vegetation)
4c Manna gum forest (accompanied by messmate, banksia, acacia, sheoake, tea tree etc)
7 Beard heath, tea tree, with occasional stringy bark, peppermint, acacia, sheoake, banksia and ground vegetation.
9b Formerly cleared land which had since regrown as acacia forest, with understorey species, or as native shrub land, or as a mixture of native species and weeds.
This particular category (9b) is something of a broad brush generalisation applied to large swathes which were never fully cleared and which in reality contained eucalypts of mixed age and species.
When the line "EVC classified area as: .." appears,it refers to the latest Ecological Vegetation Class maps. Unfortunately, this draft can only provide EVC codes for the sections on the eastern side.
EVC vegetation codes:
11 Heathy woodland
5 Low forest mosaic
17 Damp forest
49 ?
71 ?
997 Cleared
995 Softwood and weedy hardwood
When Referring to Gross areas of each section and Nett area of reafforestation within each section, it draws Hectare estimates from HVP's 2/6/99 spreadsheet.
When referring to "Hemphill Environmental Values", it refers to how Ian rates each area in terms of "forest environmental values".
VH = Very High H = High M = Medium L = Low
Ian has sometimes also indicated tree types for each section:
MM = Messmate; MG = Mountain Grey Gum; MA = Mountain Ash; BG = Bluegum;
YSB = Yellow Stringybark
Key to Map Overlay
1 CALROSSIE (Macks Block) DNRE land Not HVP land
Around 150 hectares of bushland on low hill (with quarry on top) , south of Bulga Park Rd, north of Won Wron prison farm.
Access: Bulga Park Rd.
LCC classified area as: 3a, 3b, 4d, 2a.
EVC classified area as: 11
2 DAVIS Morris ck (Bodman block)
Bushland accessed by track leading west off Sutton road in Morris ck catchment. Similar forest mix to (3.)
Topographic maps from late 70s indicate native forest cover
Gross area: 79.1 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 0
LCC classified area as: At the time of the LCC maps (1980) this land appeared to be privately owned, so it is not classified.
EVC classified area as: 5, 11
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M/L Dominant trees: YSB / MM
3 SUTTON RD Morris Ck (Macks Block)
Mixed age , mixed species north of Sutton road to panorama Hill.
Messmate Stringybark, Banksia, etc Drier forest type in Morris Ck catchment.
LCC classified area as: 3a, 3b, 4d, 2a.
EVC classified area as: 17, 11, 5, 99, 7
Gross area: 133.2 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 0
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M/L Dominant trees: YSB / MM
4 HOBSONS RD Morris ck (Macks Block)
300 or so hectares of Mixed age bushland either side of Hobsons road in Morris ck catchment . The majority lies to the south.
Dry understorey Bluegum, Greygum, Stringybark, Messmate
Gross area: 229.9 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 0
LCC classified area as: 2b and 3b
EVC classified area as: 17, 49, 71
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M/L Dominant trees: YSB / MM
5 PATTINSONS Grieg creek Bushland north and east of Yarram - Blackwarry road (Bodman block) 400 or so hectares at Grieg creek
LCC classified area as: 3a, 3b, 4d, 2a, 9b.
EVC classified area as: 17
Gross area: 320.7 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: No planted areas indicated in VPC maps except for 10 ha. of pine
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M/L Dominant trees: YSB / MM
6. Private bush block (Bodman block) Not HVP Land
Appears to be similar forest to the surrounding public land, and if ever aquired by the state, should become part of the reserve in order to join 5. with 8. Even in private ownership it serves to consolidate a large swathe of native forest and should remain predominantly forested.
EVC classified area as: 17, 49
Gross area: 68.7 ha.
7. ROBERTS RD (Macks block)
30 or so hectares of bushland on south side of Yarram - Blackwarry rd (directly south of 6) between pine plantations
LCC classified area as 2a
EVC classified area as: 49
Gross area: ?
Nett area of reafforestation: 0
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M Dominant trees: YSB / MG / MM
8 GRIEG creek upper reaches (Bodman block)
Grieg creek upper reaches North and east of the Yarram - Blackwarry road and south of Grand Ridge road. The Tarra Bulga Park lies to the west, on the opposite side of Yarram - Blackwarry road. The Blackwarry fire tower is in this area.
Mountain Ash, blackwood, wattle, ferny gullies, messmate, etc. According to VPC maps, reaforestation on roughly half this area. LEGL 1993 maps indicate plantings in 1984 and 1990.
LCC classified area as: 2b, 2a, 1a.
EVC classified area as: ?
Gross area: 312.4 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 151.2 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: ?
9 RICES track (Bodman block)
South of Grand Ridge rd in the Grieg creek catchment in vicinity south of Blackwarry radio mast (this area links with 8) Viewing of this area is possible from Rices rd. It is predominantly made up of large, deep, south facing slopes which are extremely steep. In places, this area lacks tall forest.
Along the northern end it appears somewhat less significant, but the 200 or so hectares to the south may be more promising. It requires further investigation.
The VPC has around 30% of the area marked as plantation, most of which seem to be in the areas classified by LCC as 1a., and most of which would be less than 14 years old
LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm some of these claimed planted areas.
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
LCC classifies a large area of 1a in this area as well as 2a and 9b.
EVC classified area as: ?
Gross area: 329.4 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 100 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M Dominant trees: YSB / MM / MG
10 LOWER CARRAJUNG (Bodman block)
200 or so hectares of the upper reaches of Bodmans creek bordered by Bordens rd to the south and Carrajung road to the north.
Amount of reafforestation: Areas accessible by Bordens and Carrajung road have been bulldozed and now carry 1 or 2 year old planted eucalypt. The policy of not clearing native forest for plantations has been ignored here. Nevertheless, the majority is undisturbed.
LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm some of these claimed planted areas. (due to the newness)
LCC classified area as a mosaic of : 1a, 2a,3a, .
EVC classified area as: 17, 49
Gross area: 192.1 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 71.6 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M Dominant trees: MA / MG / YSB / MM
11. BORDENS ROAD (Bodman block)
Moving South East from 10, South of Bordens rd, 300 or so hectares of forest containing 30 or so hectares of pine planted in 1985, a year after it became the rule not to replace native forest with plantation.
Pines established within designated hardwood zones.
LCC recommended that this area remain a Hardwood zone. This inappropriately placed pine plantation now must be included in the area to be considered for reserve status in order to link this area with Grieg creek area (area 5)
LCC classified this area as 2b and 3b.
EVC classified area as: ?
Gross area: 303.8 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 30 ha. of pine
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M/L Dominant trees: MG / YSB / MM
12. FISHER / LEESONS ROAD (Bodman block)
LCC classified this area as ?
EVC classified area as: ?
Gross area: 106 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 0
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M/L 1950s BG regrowth
12a. Near 12. FISHER / LEESONS ROAD (Bodman block)
LCC classified this area as ?
EVC classified area as: ?
Gross area: 84.9 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 9.6 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: ?
13a SASSAFRAS CREEK (Calignee block)
186.3 ha. in the vicinity of Sassafras creek road, North of Grand Ridge Road
A small section is marked as planted. LEGL 1993 maps indicate plantings in the 1960s.
LCC classifies this as 1a.
EVC classified area as: 17, 49
Gross area: 186.3 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 14.2 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M
13b FERGUSONS ROAD (Bodman block)
Around 100 hectares accessed from Fergusons road south of Grand ridge road
VPC mark around 50% as planted. (H: Zero)
LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm these claimed planted areas.
LCC classifies this as 1a, 2a and 9b.
EVC classified area as: 17, 49
Gross area: 30 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 5 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: H Trees: MA
DISCREPANCY ON HECTARE ESTIMATES
14. MUZZLE TRACK 1 (Callignee block)
Approximately 200 ha. in Flynns creek catchment
VPC maps show around 20% of this area to be either failed plantation or available for planting, with another 30 odd hectares of HW plantation
LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm some of these claimed areas.
LCC marks area as 1a, 2a and 9b.
EVC classified area as:
Gross area: 193.4 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 47.3 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M Trees: MA / BG
Parts of this block could remain unreserved.
15. MUZZLE TRACK 2 (Callignee block) Approx 80 ha. in Flynns creek catchment
VPC marks around one quarter of this area as HW plantation.
LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm some of these claimed areas.
LCC marks area as 1a.
EVC classified area as:
Gross area: 74.4 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 19.3 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M Trees: MA / BG
16a and 16b CALLIGNEE (Callignee block)
Around 920 ha. of the Merriman creek headwaters
Area bounded by (clockwise) Balook - Traralgon rd, Pine plantation perimeter, Morr track, Callignee estate rd, pine plantation perimeter west of Kiergaard rd., private property on Grand Ridge Road and the Grand Ridge Road.
LEGL 1993 maps suggest 1960s, 70s, 80s HW plantings and a small area of pine. A recent hardwood logging coupe does not appear on VPC map
On the southern end of Kiergaard rd., the ash is marked in on LCC maps as 1a , on VPC map it is marked as plantation. This discrepancy needs investigation.
Some planted areas of hardwood on western and northern perimeters could be skirted
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
LCC classifies this area as 1a, 1b, 2a and 9b.
EVC classified area as:
Gross area: 921.2 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 303.2
16a
Gross area: 246.5 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 42.3 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: VH
16b
Gross area: 674.7 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 260.9
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: ?
17. FLYNN CREEK (MT TASSIE) (Calignee block)
Approx. 74 ha. north of Mt Tassie in Flynns creek headwaters.
Amount of reafforestation: About 45% is marked as HW plantation on VPC map.
LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm some of these claimed areas.
LCC classifies this area as 1a, 9b.
EVC classified area as: ?
Gross area: 73.8 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 34.4 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: ? Trees: MA / MM
17b. MERRIMAN (Callignee block)
Small area (6 ha?) of forest marked as 1a on LCC map in Merriman creek catchment west of junction of Callignee estate rd and Merriman track, now appears on VPC map as hardwood plantation. Requires investigation. LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm some of these claimed areas.
EVC classified area as: ?
LCC classifies this area as 1a.
Gross area: ?
Nett area of reafforestation: ?
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: ?
18 a, b, and c. JACK RIVER HEADWATERS (Jack block)
Northern boundary: Whitelaws Track, Grand Ridge Road
Southern boundary: Pine plantation perimeter, State forest perimeter,
Gross area: Around 1600 ha.
Vantage points: Whitelaws track, Jack road, Hour road, Yarram-Morwell rd, Gemini hill.
Mixed age mix of tall eucalypt and acacia types and ferny understorey and rainforest species.
Myrtle Beech visible from Hour road. Further investigation should reveal significant areas of rainforest in the Jack river gully
Around one third appears to be marked on VPC maps as planted Ash, land available for planting or failed plantation. LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm some of these claimed areas in the south-west corner. LEGL 1993 maps indicate plantings in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Some of this is excellent reafforestation which has returned ash (still very young of course) to ridges, while leaving extensive system of valleys as they were. There are also 2 small pine plantations south of Whitelaws track. Only one of these is marked on VPC maps. As is the case everywhere in these ranges, the land is extremely steep, and the patchy nature of the planted Ash indicates the inaccessibility of much of this valley.
18a. JACK 001 (Jack block)
West of Jack River to Yarram - Morwell rd. (aka Madalya Rd)
Gross area: 636.4 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 300 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M
18b. ESECRETS RD (Jack block)
North of Jack river, East section. Adjoins Whitelaws track
Gross area: 405.1 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 129.4 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M
18c. JACK 003 (Jack block)
North of Jack river, West section. Adjoins Grand Ridge Rd. and Whitelaws track
Gross area: 524.3 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 201.4 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M / H
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19 a and 19b MACK (Jack Block)
Approx 1000 ha. in the (south) Middle Creek catchment
Mixed age mix of tall eucalypt and acacia types and ferny understorey and rainforest species.
Southern Boundary: Whitelaws track Northern and Western boundary: Grand Ridge road
Eastern Boundary: Tarra Bulga Nat. Park.
Convenient vantage points: Whitelaws track, Dons track, Valley View lookout
Approx one third of area appears to be marked as HW plantation on VPC maps, from 1987,1989 and 1990. LEGL 1993 maps do not confirm some of these claimed areas.
There is also areas of very young bluegum north of Whitelaws track not marked on VPC maps.
19a. MACK 019 (Jack block)
Gross area: 519.3 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 247.6 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: H Trees: Myrtle / RF
19b. MACK 017 (Jack block)
Gross area: 452.7 ha
Nett area of reafforestation: 75.6 ha.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M / H Trees: MA 60s, 70s regrowth
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The following blocks (19c - 19h) should be considered for inclusion in the reserve.
None of them are managed by HVP. With the exception of 19e, all are state owned.
19c. NRE Block (about100 ha.?)
North of 19b Adjoins Grand Ridge Rd
Gross area:
Nett area of reafforestation:
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
19d. APP Leased State Forest (about100 ha.?)
Adjoins Tarra-Bulga NP
Gross area:
Nett area of reafforestation:
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
19e. APP private block (about 200 ha.?)
Adjoins Tarra-Bulga NP
Roughly one half forest and one half pine plantation.
Gross area:
Nett area of reafforestation:
EVC classified area as:
19f. NRE Block (about100 ha.?)
Adjoins Tarra-Bulga NP
LCC classifies a large part of this as 1a
Gross area:
Nett area of reafforestation:
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
19g. NRE Block (about100 ha.?)
Adjoins Tarra-Bulga NP
Gross area:
Nett area of reafforestation:
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
19h. APP Leased State Forest (about100 ha.?)
Adjoins Tarra-Bulga NPGross area:
Nett area of reafforestation:
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
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20. ALBERT (Albert block)
Albert river catchment, bordered by (clockwise from Englishs corner) Grand Ridge Road, State Forest perimeter, Yarram - Morwell rd, pine plantation perimeter, State Forest perimeter, Albert River road, State Forest perimeter, Grand Ridge Road.
Predominantly mixed age mix of tall eucalypt and acacia types, ferny understorey and rainforest species.
The Northern sector, of around 550 ha. adjacent to the Grand ridge road, and the Englishs corner area is one of the few areas of the Eastern Strzeleckis where the land is relatively undulating and accessible and therefore has undergone a long sucession of transformations - grazing, logging, plantation establishment, plantation harvesting and replanting. During recent plantation harvesting, native forest has also been logged. Its natural significance has been severely diminished. Almost half, however, is marked as non-plantation forest. LEGL maps indicate 60s plantings
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
The Southern sector is around 750 ha. of typically steep land which forms a narrow corridor
1 - 2 kilometres wide, and VPC maps appear to show around a third of this area to be under planted Ash and two small, inappropriately placed Pine plantations. Logging tracks are few and far between, and mostly originate from the Yarram Morwell road to the north, or the Albert River road to the south LEGL maps indicate 70s plantings
Gross area: 1343.8 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 688.3 ha.
EVC classified area as: ?
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M / H
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21. JEFFREYS CREEK (Albert Block)
Approx. 700 ha. in Jeffreys creek catchment
Bounded by (clockwise from north) Albert River Road, Pine plantation perimeter, Christies-Albert River road, private land, Pine plantation perimeter.
Around 25% of area marked in as planted Ash on VPC maps.
This area has very few logging tracks. Most planting has gone on close to Albert River road, or the Christies road.
LEGL 1993 maps indicate plantings in the 1970s in the northern sector and 1983 plantings along the southern sector.
Gross area: 687.8 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 169.6 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M / H Trees: MM/MG/MA
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22 and 22a. LITTLE ALBERT (Albert Block)
Approx. 500 ha. in the Little Albert headwaters. This area is made up of two long valleys running east-west and the 5km. long ridge that lies between them. These valleys contain the two main tributaries which form the Little Albert river.
This whole area can be accessed from Buckleys track which runs the entire length of this central ridge and virtually all forestry activity in this area stems from this track, which originates near the junction of Woorarra rd. and Christies -Albert River road and ends where the two tributaries meet. Both valleys remain undisturbed, unbroken native forest of an impressive size and quality.
The LCC advised in 1982 that this area remain a hardwood zone.
In 1984, controls were introduced to stop the practice of replacing native forest with plantation. In 1985 a significant portion of forest along this central ridge was logged.
VPC maps mark around 150 ha. of pine plantation and 90 or so hectares of hardwood. Much of the pine failed and became tall wattle forest. Forestry then poisoned large tracts of wattle. What remains is a sad "lose-lose" situation.
From Buckleys track one can look northward to the facing hill where narrow fingers of pines poke unnecessarily far down into forest valleys.
From my own experience of this area in the 70s, the mature regrowth ash was extensive with a liberal sprinkling of clearly visible dead stags (and some still living) throughout area.
This block remains highly significant for its long, steep, broad inaccessible valleys. The planted pines in this area are both ill-conceived and a failure. It would be advisable to remove all pines from this central ridge and plant some Ash, let the wattles have their way, and allow the native vegetation to once more link these two significant valleys.
LEGL 1993 maps indicate plantings around 1985.
Pines established within designated hardwood zones.
22. Gross area: 273.4 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 127.5 ha. HW and Pine
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M Trees: MM/MG/MA
22a. (Downstream lie more networks of forest valleys which link with bush patches further east as can be seen on VPC maps. If not formally reserved, these valleys must be protected by management prescriptions, and the native vegetation in these valleys encouraged to reclaim some narrow fingers of land which are presently under pines)
Gross area: 441 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 233 ha. of pine and failed pine
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: ?
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23a, b, and c WOORARRA (Woorarra Block)
Around 3000 or so hectares of the Agnes headwaters, taking in Woomera Creek and Dingo creek. This takes in almost all of the block, with the exception of the pine plantations.
The area is bounded by (clockwise from north) Grand Ridge road, pine plantation perimeter, private land perimeter, Woorarra road, pine plantation perimeter, state forest southern perimeter, Toora - Gunyah rd., Gunyah reserve perimeter. Mount Fatigue stands in the south west corner.
VPC maps show what appears to be around 20% of the area to be planted Ash, planted in characteristically long spidery fingers. Much of this was carried out in 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1990, and was carried out on land that had previously contained native forest. This means that the majority of these planted areas are by definition regrowth or reforestation, as is the case in many other areas also. The long thin shapes of these planted areas also make them less economically viable to harvest as track building costs begin to outweigh returns.
This valley contains some of the most extensive cool temperate rainforest in the ranges, and is ranked among the most significant sites in Victoria
The area ia also notable for its mature blackwood forests, mature and "over-mature" ash. The hilltop clearings of 100 years ago are no longer apparrent. The activities of forestry during the 80s is far more obvious.
The LCC over generalised by classifying such large swathes of this block as 9b (previously cleared but grown back) These hills were inhabited once apon a time, but far from cleared. The terrain (thin ridge, deep valley) weather and lack of financial reward meant that large areas were left in peace.
The Agnes supplies the towns of Toora, Welshpool and Port Welshpool with water.
LEGL 1993 maps indicate plantings between 1982-1990, making the majority of reafforestation between 9 and 16 years old.
23a. WOORARRA COMP 10
Gross area: 360 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 39.4 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: H
23b. WOORARRA COMP 9, 11, P12
Gross area: 1262 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 386.3 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M/H
23c. WOORARRA COMP 8, 13, 14, P12
Gross area: 1250 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 215.8 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: VH
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24, 24a and 24b FRANKLIN (Woorarra Block)
Around 1800 ha. in the Franklin catchment
Bordered by (clockwise from North) Gunyah reserve perimeter, Toora - Gunyah rd, State Forest perimeter, pine forest perimeter, Foster - Boolarra rd.
Very little, if any of this area was previously cleared for farming, or repurchased land.
Locals say that north of Mount Fatigue, there were no farms on the west side of the Toora - Gunyah rd. It was generally believed that the original Gunyah timber reserve extended as far south as Mt Fatigue - that is: virtually as far south as the present state forest southern perimeter
Officially, however, only the northern 50% of this area made up the original Gunyah timber reserve which was selectively logged, but never clearfelled until the late 70s and again in 1997. VPC maps mark some of this area as planted eucalypt, mostly ash, but with recent additions of shining gum and bluegum within the boundaries of the original timber reserve, and encroaching into the present Gunyah Rainforest Reserve.
Extensive areas of Nationally significant rainforest are to be found
LEGL 1993 maps indicate plantings between 1977 and 1979.
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
24.
Perhaps around 1450 ha.
Gross area: Not listed
Nett area of reafforestation: Not Listed
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: Not Listed
24a.
Perhaps around 50 ha.
Gross area: Needs clarification
Nett area of reafforestation: Needs clarification
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: VH
24b.
Perhaps around 300 ha.
Gross area: not listed
Nett area of reafforestation: not listed
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M/H
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25. (Woorarra Block)
Little Franklin Headwaters, approximately 150 ha.
VPC maps mark approximately 20% of this area as planted ash between 1981 and 1987.
Gross area:
Nett area of reafforestation:
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: VH / H
Some Hectare estimate discrepancy still exists here
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26. SQUARE TOP (Woorarra Block)
North side of Mt. Square Top abutting the Little Franklin reserve, approx. 90 ha.
VPC maps mark around half this area as planted eucalypt.
LEGL 1993 maps indicate plantings in 1987.
Some of it is possibly established on what was pine plantation.
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
Gross area: 90.2
Nett area of reafforestation: 0
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M
Some Hectare estimate discrepancy still exists here
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27. TURTONS CREEK RIPARIAN STRIP (Turtons Block) Theoretically NRE Land
Approximately 5 km of streamside reserve needs to be taken more seriously along the entire length of the Turtons Creek even if only 20 metres wide on either side.
A significant proportion of this strip was classified by the LCC as 1a, but further north (downstream), a long strip is little better than a paddock at present. In some places, pine plantations grow too close to creek.
Gross area: ?
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as: Some areas1a.
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28. FELLAS (Turtons Block)
Tarwin River East Branch Headwaters, approximately 180 ha. west of Turtons Creek Reserve. VPC maps mark in around 34% of this area as planted ash.
LEGL maps indicate these plantings between1976 and 1989.
1975 Forestry Commission map indicates that most of this block was once classified as 'protected forest'.
Gross area: 185.3 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 63 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as: 1a, 1b, 9b.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M
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29. TURTON (Turtons Block)
Around 470 ha. in the north-eastern sector of Turtons Valley adjacent to Franklin and West Morwell headwaters. Bounded by (clockwise from north), Central Road, GrandRidge Road, Pine plantation perimeter, State Forest perimeter.
LEGL 1993 maps indicate plantings between 1976 and 1978.
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
Gross area: 474 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 255 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as: 1a, 1b,
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: H
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30. LIVINGSTON (Livingston Block)
Some 4000 hectares or so of the upper headwaters of the Morwell river east and west branches.
North fall of the Eastern Strzelecki Ranges
The Grand Ridge road runs along the southern edge of this block
VPC maps indicate that this block contains the greatest quantity and density of planted hardwood - most of which remain are from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Large swathes of the 40s,50s and 60s planted areas have been harvested and continue to be harvested, (along with native forest, especially around Hatchery road).
1993 inventories indicate 2,400 hectares of Ash had been planted in this block.
The south eastern sector of this block is part of the Rytons area identified as one of Central Gippsland's sites of botanical significance NRE 1984.
The South western sector - the upper reaches of the Morwell river west branch is part of the Gunyah area identified as one of Central Gippsland's sites of botanical significance.
The LCC classified the majority of this whole area as 1b, with pockets of 1a.
FOGB have identified areas of 1939 regrowth which on VPC maps appear as plantation.
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
Gross area: 3662 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 2354.7 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as: 1a, 1b, 9b.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: H ???
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31. BOOLARRA SOUTH 1 (Boolarra Block)
Approximately 150 ha. Bounded by (clockwise from north), State forest perimeter, Grand Ridge Road, Central Road, State Forest perimeter, Pine plantation perimeter.
VPC map marks around 50% of this area as planted ash
LEGL map indicates plantings were from the late 70s
Gross area: 161.3 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 131.1 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as: 1a, 1b, 9b.
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M
Some Hectare estimate discrepancy still exists here
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32. BOOLARRA SOUTH 2 (Boolarra Block)
Approximately 60 ha. west of GrandRidge Road opposite Lewis Track.
VPC maps mark approximately 50% of this area as planted ash.
LEGL 1993 maps show no planted trees in this area.
Gross area: 52.7 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 43 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as: 1b
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: M
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33. MORWELL RIVER WEST BRANCH UPPER HEADWATERS (Livingston Block)
part of the Gunyah area identified as one of Central Gippsland's sites of botanical significance (NRE 1984).
Friends of Gippsland Bush / HVP agreed significant site
Gross area: 209 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 33.6 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as: 1b
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: H
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34. South West corner of Livingston block - recently logged Approx 100 ha.
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
Gross area: 137.7 ha.
Nett area of reafforestation: 74.8 ha.
EVC classified area as:
LCC classified area as:
Hemphill Environmental Value rating: ?
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35. A.P.P. LEASED STATE FOREST
Approx. 4000 ha.
North fall of the Eastern Strzelecki Ranges
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
Contains significant stands of rainforest as well as Mountain Ash, Acacias and other Eucalypt.
(Also contains 1 small DNRE block)
EVC classified area as: ?
LCC classified area as: Did not classify
Outlying Areas of public land currently under DNRE management not appearing on map to be considered for formal reserve status
Alberton West State Forest
(Around 1800 ha.) DNRE land.
LCC classify this forest as 2a and 2b.
Valuble stringybark resource, but great restraint is necessary as this is a slow growing forest with MAI of around 1 M3/ha/year
Virtually no plantations in this State Forest.
Parts of this block could remain unreserved
Gellions Run
Around 2,000 ha. of Uncommitted Crown Land.
LCC classify this as 4c, 4g, 7, 8, and 3a.
EVC classifies this as:
11 Heathy woodland
45 Wet Heathland
26 Swamp scrub
34 Wetland formation
44 Weedy Heathland
Highly significant and diverse remnant of lowland heath, swamp and forest.
Adjoins Nooramunga reserve in Corner inlet to the south, and almost links up with Alberton West State Forest to the north.
It is an obvious choice for reserve status. The only reason it is not already reserved must be because it sits on brown coal deposits (as does the towns of Yarram and Boolarra) It seems highly unlikely that these deposits will be needed, or economically viable to extract due to its distance from the Latrobe Valley power generation plants.
Proposed Mirboo Regional Park
(around 2000 ha.) DNRE land.
Several blocks throughout the Western Strzelecki Ranges, classified by the LCC as 2a, 3a, with small patches of 9b. It has been a proposed reserve for 20 odd years and perhaps now should be a fully fledged reserve with a higher status than "proposed regional park".
Gays reserve (Bodmans or Won Wron block?)
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Outlying Areas of public land currently under HVP management not appearing on map to be considered for formal reserve status
Tin mine (Woorarra block)
The non-pine plantation section of the block currently under HVP management
Around 70 ha
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Existing reserves falling within proposed reserve system
Mt Worth State Park
Tarra Bulga National Park
Morwell National Park
Gunyah reserve
Little Franklin reserve
Jack river reserve
Mays Bush reserve
Turtons reserve (not a formal reserve)
...and possibly some other small areas)
Total: 5000 ha.
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