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Eagle Tree Getting a Much Needed Drink!

15 Jan 2008

Nine volunteers from the Kerang unit of the State Emergency Service (SES) have helped finalise the last stages of preparation before the emergency watering of Gunbower Forest's iconic 'Eagle Tree' can begin.

The project came about following a call to the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) from a landholder wishing to donate water to allow the tree to be watered this summer/autumn period.

"Watering a single tree is a little outside the work we usually do in the forest, however this tree is quite exceptional, there simply aren't many of them left alive anymore," said Melanie Tranter, North Central CMA's Gunbower Forest Project Manager. "It is the only thing in the forest to receive water this season".

Eagle Tree is estimated to be over 1,000 years old and stands approximately 50 metres in height. Its health is declining due to extremely dry conditions and old age.

"The North Central CMA believes it's important for this project to be delivered as a community driven activity, "added Melanie.

"The response for assistance with the project has been great. In working out the best way to water the tree we have had assistance from Stan Archard of Archard's Irrigation and Cliff Dillon from Wrigley Dillon soil services. Murray Goulburn Cooperative has even offered to cart water in there using their milk tankers."

The North Central CMA approached the SES to see if they could sand bag an area around the tree to provide a bunded area to deliver the water into.

"We agreed to be involved as a training exercise," said Shane Leerson of the Kerang SES, "After seeing this tree, and learning what is going on, we are really thrilled to be part of a project like this".

"The sand bags were filled using 10 cubic metres of sand provided by Luke Douglas, a local resident," added Melanie.

Murray Thorson of DSE Cohuna oversaw the weekend's activities and has arranged for the delivery of water to the tree to start this week using the DSE fire crew and tankers. 

"While the ecological benefits are expected to be short term, this tree really symbolises the plight of our River Red Gum forests that are suffering from a lack of water due to lower rainfall and reduced flooding." Melanie continued "We hope that this project helps raise the awareness of these forests and the benefits of water donations in helping to save areas such as these".

"It's fantastic to see it all coming together," said Melanie. 

"The willingness of everyone to help get this project off the ground is a wonderful example of community partnerships delivering real on-ground outcomes that benefit the forest and those that use it".

For further information please contact the North Central CMA on 5448 7124.


For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au

 

 

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