- TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 01/Aug 00:39

Helping threatened plant species in the Wombat State Forest

DEECA is helping return native species such as Wiry Bossiaea, Creeping Grevillea and Wombat Bush-pea to the forest following the impacts of a severe storm in 2021. The storm impacted 45,000 hectares across the Wombat State Forest and resulted in a vast amount of fallen trees. Source: Timberbiz A mix of threatened native species are being propagated locally and are being re-planted at a selection of storm-damaged sites. “With the help of a local expert, we’ve chosen specific species that we want to thrive in the Wombat State Forest,” said DEECA Grampians Senior Superintendent, Brad Fernando. “Although they might eventually come back on their own, planting seedlings at these sites ensures that species that are special to the Wombat are supported.” The Wombat Bush-pea is almost exclusively found within the Wombat State Forest. “We’ve seen the bush pea returning on its own at some storm-damaged sites, which is fantastic, but this program supports the species’ long-term survival.” The native seedlings have been propagated according to local provenance. This means seeds are collected only from the local area, labelled with the precise location where they were collected, and then planted back in that same spot once they’ve been nurtured into viable seedlings. “For example, Dwarf Silver-wattle only occurs in the core of the forest, so it will only be planted at sites where it is naturally found,” said Mr Fernando. Some of the species currently being propagated include Grevillea repens; Pultenaea reflexifolia (Wombat Bush-pea); Bossiaea cordigera or Wiry Bossiaea; Acacia leprosa, also known as Cinnamon Wattle; and Dwarf Silver-wattle. The propagation supports recovery efforts in the forest, which includes removal of fallen debris in areas that are strategically important to fight potential fires, allowing firefighters and heavy machinery access. Planting native species is done as part of site rehabilitation when necessary. A similar planting program took place following storm recovery debris operations in 2024, with those seedlings showing a promising rate of survival. Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation are undertaking the planting alongside DEECA staff.