Hail storm prompts pine harvest
From the Spring 2007 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Pine harvesting in the popular Armidale
State Forest was prompted by severe
hail damage.
Photo by Howard Spencer
A severe hail storm that swept through Armidale in December last year had a devastating impact on many local buildings and gardens – in addition to pine plantations near the town.
Armidale State Forest was in the direct path of the storm, with many older trees having their foli-age stripped or damaged by high winds and large hail stones.
“Such trees then become susceptible to fungal attack, and unfortunately this is what happened in part of the forest,” said Forests NSW Northern Region manager, Ken Fussell.
“Older trees under stress are more susceptible. As the affected trees succumb, they start to lose limbs, creating a serious safety hazard.
“In Armidale, this danger compromised the continued use of the forest for recreation.”
Ken said there was no alternative to removing the older trees and replanting, while some younger trees in a newly planted section of the forest appear to have escaped damage.
The area of land affected by the hail was 35ha out of a planted area of 157ha, with the age of trees ranging from 1916 to 1985 plantings.
“We expect the forest will continue to be a favoured destination for bushwalking, picnicking, horse riding and bike riding,” Ken said. “The forest also plays host to medieval re-enactments that will continue in the parts of the forest that have not been harvested.”
Ken said the forest had a fascinating history, beginning as part of the Armidale Permanent Com-mon in 1866.
“More land was added in 1910, after a Royal Commission of Enquiry identified a need to plant exotic softwoods. The forest was gazetted in 1915, but plantings were underway as early as 1912. It is one of the oldest pine plantations in the state,” he said.
Public Affairs & Media, Coffs Harbour
