What does a state forest mean to you?
From the Winter 2007 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Managing forests is often a complicated business. As responsible forest managers and stewards of the 2.4 million hectares of State forest across New South Wales, Forests NSW needs to manage its estate in line with community expectations.How many views are there? And why does a State forest mean different thingsto different people? We asked some people for their thoughts.
Our State forests are fantastic. They are a reliable means of removing greenhouse gases from our air, they provide shelter for all manner of wildlife, and just walking around in one of our forests is a soothing, cooling, head-clearing experience. Forests are life-affirming and provide a wealth of resources, both tangible and intangible.
Dave Sag, founder Carbon Planet
I reckon forests are really good because they produce air. Without them we wouldn’t be living. We shouldn’t cut them down – we should grow more.
Lachlan Bailey, 9 years old
I enjoy my escapes to the bush for time out. For me, it’s not just about conservation hunting; State forests allow me to get out of the office and into the fresh air of the outdoors. It’s the diversity, scenery and the wildlife that I enjoy most.
Brian Boyle, CEO, Game Council NSW
As a teacher, State forests provide me with opportunities to consolidate the concepts being taught at school, in a practical fun way. Recently our students experienced a day at Cumberland and had enjoyable times rambling through the bush with a knowledgeable guide, thinking through the sustainable use of timber resources and discovering more about themselves and their environment. It was a valuable educational experience.
Colin Lees, teacher
Growing up in Deniliquin, the local State forests were my playground. There were bike rides, dogs running, family barbecues, camping and a number of other adventures. In later years, the forests continued providing an opportunity for recreation and time out, as well as for education both at home and away. Looking back, it’s no surprise I’ve ended up working in them.
Belinda Seymour, forester
Tuesday is Cumberland Forest for me. When I arrive I feel at home. My workmates are my friends, the forest is our garden – rangers and volunteers, all committed to its welfare. Bushland regeneration has led to plant identification and an introduction to the history of earlier plantings. The concept of the arboretum fascinates me and I want to contribute to new sites.
John Meade, volunteer
As an orienteer, a forest to me is an escape. It gives me the physical and mental challenge of navigating on the run through unfamiliar terrain, while at the same time surrounding me with the natural beauty of trees, creeks and rock formations. An excellent way to unwind!
Mike Weller, President, Orienteering Association of NSW
A forest means peacefulness. People go camping and have picnics in them. It is a place where I go for walks with my dad and we see lizards and animals – the forest is their home. Trees are for helping us breathe and for making paper and you can climb them too.
Jack Peggie, 8 years old
NSW forests have always been part of my life. First, as a scout and now, with family, friends, and 4WD club trips. They are a place to have fun, camp, enjoy nature, drive along beautiful bush tracks and to have a break from the city. For me, they are part of Australian life.
Greg Redfern, President Four Wheel Drive NSW & ACT
My understanding is that about 60 per cent of the honey crop in the state comes from State forests, so they are a major source of my income. The people are really nice to deal with. I just love being out in the forests and that is why I do this job.
Colin Nagle, beekeeper
An exciting, fun-filled day is the memory we take from Cumberland State Forest. Students arrive with a wealth of ideas and the rangers are able to build and extend this knowledge. Questioning techniques and stimulating activities encourage students to think closely about the bush environment.
Rosemary Perry, teacher
State forests are not just my ‘office’. When I am out in the bush I am constantly amazed at the changing landscape and the beautiful spots I find. The bush today is always evolving but if we manage it right it will keep producing a range of good timber for a long time to come.
Mitchell Ford, timber harvesting contractor
I live next to Bungabee State Forest. It is home to the rare Corchorus cunninghamii, which only grows here and three other isolated places within 120km. I love the possibility of finding other rare plants in ‘my’ patch of forest.
Robert McCosker, botanist and environmental consultant
To me, State forests are a great place to work. I currently supervise harvesting operations and enjoy the open air and the people I work with. I am rewarded each day when I see my efforts result in the regeneration of the forest and the supply of timber to industry.
Grahame George, supervising forest officer
I love being able to graze my cattle in State forests during the winter, and it has been particularly importantto me during this drought. I feel by having my cattle in the forests I’m helping to keep the weeds, rabbits and build up of forests fuels under control, so it’s a good deal for everyone involved.
Matthew Hicks, grazier at Mt Gywnne near Mulwala
In my 20 years experience working in State forests I have seen many changes but still find it very enjoyable to work in forests. State forests are the source of my employment.
Phillip Carter, timber harvesting contractor
First and foremost, State forests in New South Wales provide a resource that underpins a well performing and sustainable timber industry – and that means it provides for a range of jobs, opportunities for training, entrepreneurialism and a stronger economy in rural and regional areas. Beyond this, well managed forests support biodiversity, cultural heritage, and recreational activities. These roles are important too. I see a future where forests continue to be sustainably managed, and underpin an active sector of the economy, even as they maintain habitat for wildlife, and provide a place for families to get together and appreciate our unique natural resources – from the North Coast forests to the Riverina wetlands in the south.
Ian Macdonald, NSW Minister for Primary Industries
Valuing forest feedback
Would you like Forests NSW to know exactly what a State forest means to you?
Community programs manager, Sally Arundell, said that the organisation was always happy to take feedback from the community on the plethora of forest management issues.
“Emails, letters and phone calls all contribute to the management of State forests at some level. Sally said. “We use feedback in the development of publications like the Seeing (Sustainability) Report and also in the development of policies and procedures, in particular relating to recreation.”
Email your views to cumberland@sf.nsw.gov.au.
