Habitat Forests
What is an Action for Climate Change Habitat Forest?
- these are locations where the ACC program will financially support the protection or re-establishment of indigenous plantings
- they are sites that are selected first and foremost for the positive outcomes that will occur to the natural environment as a result of the support received by the ACC program
- these same sites will of-course also capture and store quantities of carbon during the life of the vegetation established
- the establishment of indigenous vegetation will also ensure these locations have a higher ability to adapt to climate change
- where possible, sites will also be selected to protect vulnerable species and communites
- sites with long term legal protection and some form of permanence of management plans will be given priority in the selection process
The W. James Whyte Island Reserve or ‘The Island’
'The Island' is a large property of over 200 hectares and was donated to CVA in 2006 by W. James Whyte. It is situated near Bacchus Marsh, approximately 50 kms west of Melbourne. While the property is adjacent to the Werribee Gorge State Park, 'The Island' is significantly degraded and our focus is to see it restored to environmental health.
Activities on 'The Island' range from pest and weed control, stock exclusion fencing, water quality testing, invasive weed control, undertaking surveys and establishing over 150,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses within a five year timeframe.
From the commencement of on-ground preparation works in mid 2006 until the end of February 2009, the following outcomes have been achieved through the efforts of many committed and hard working volunteers. Thank you to everyone who has given their time and energy in making this happen so far.
Milestones to date:
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Other activities include:
- Rabbit warren mapping to establish initial base data on population numbers and subsequent pest control over chosen time intervals.
- Collection of seed to establish a resource for ongoing rehabilitation of 'The Island' with existing native vegetation.
- Water quality testing to create a baseline and monitor the effects of revegetation upon water quality over time.
- Undertaking bird and fauna surveys to establish native populations and any changes over the period of rehabilitation.
- Assisting with numerous community events including National Tree Day to develop awareness in the wider community and the significance of the site to the local and wider communities.
- Tree planting activities aimed at enhancing wildlife corridors and biodiversity links.
- Invasive weed control mapping utilising GPS systems providing evidence of weed species and the effective removal of same
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