VicForests is preparing to replant Victorian forest areas, including those affected by bushfires and harvested areas, to restore the natural forest ecosystem.
VicForests staff in Alexandra have unloaded the seedlings which will be used to help ensure the planting process covers a wide range of locations across the North, East, West and East Gippsland Forest Management Areas.
To maintain ecological balance, VicForests will utilise a diverse range of seedlings, representing the same species originally present in each forest area, such as Messmate, Alpine Ash, Mountain Ash, Grey Gum, Brown Stringybark and Silvertop tree species.
Full circle
VicForests Regeneration Forester Karen Doherty said this was the part of VicForests’ job where everything comes full circle.
“The harvesting is done, the site is prepared, and we complete the cycle with sowing and planting,” she said.
“The sites we plant range from 0.5 hectares all the way up to 20 hectares at a time, and we use several methods, such as hand planting, and aerial and drone sowing in tougher terrain, to get the job done.
“I come in to water the seedlings twice a day for the duration of the operation to make sure that they are in the best possible condition before planting.”
For the future
The seedlings will be carefully planted in prepared areas, marking the beginning of the next generation of forests in Victoria.
VicForests remains committed to its mission of responsible forest management and the restoration of forest ecosystems for the enjoyment of future generations to come.
Stay in touch with VicForest strategies and innovations at vicforests.com.au.
