New Australian forestry website
From the Summer 2007 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Teachers and students can now find information about all Australian forests with ease from one website. This site also connects to resources and facts about each state’s forests and useful links.
Teachers and students looking for ‘big’ picture information about Australian forests can now visit one website to connect with comprehensive facts, case studies and resources.
Launched in August 2007 by Senator Eric Abetz, Federal Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, the website aims to provide students, educators and the public with balanced and comprehensive information about Australia’s native and planted forests.
Designed as a portal for information on the ecology of forests, how these systems are managed, the resources they provide, forest-based industries and an introduction to the concept of sustainable forest management, the website also provides access to state-based forest education services, useful links and publications, and ways to get involved in sustainable forest management and conservation.
The National Forestry Education and Awareness Network (NFEAN), which consists of forest educators from around Australia, drove the development of the website with funding provided by each of the educators home states and the National Association of Forest Industries.
“We found there was a lot of information and resources for schools but it wasn’t always easy to find and no single website provided national information in a format easily accessed by teachers,” said David Hamilton, Chair of NFEAN.
“We are very excited about this website. NFEAN is a small but passionate group of educators committed to bringing together forest education programs nationally; highlighting the sustainable management of Australia’s multiple use forests.”
The Institute of Foresters of Australia has already provided some funding for the second stage of the site’s development, which will include career options and pathways related to forests, forestry and the timber industry in general, and more resources for students.
Interested partners should contact David Hamilton at the Forest Education Foundation, Tasmania on Ph: 0419 554 013.
Visit the website at: www.australianforests.org.au.
Carmen Perry Communications, Maitland
