Majestic alpine ash
From the Winter 2008 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Three harvest and haulage operators work in the 13500 hectares of alpine ash forest near Tumbarumba. Photo by Peter McDade.
Forests NSW has come a long way from the days when alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) was taken out of the Tumbarumba area by bullock teams.
This majestic tree from the stunningly beautiful high country of New South Wales has a straight, grey trunk, reaching heights of up to 60 metres.
It is one of the tallest of eucalypts and requires a high rainfall andsnow or frosts during winter.
Bago State Forest, near Tumbarumba, is the heart of the alpine ash country in NSW, and has a history of forestry dating back to the late 1800s.
“Evenin the early days it was a prized resource used by the timber industry for building and internal joinery,” Forests NSW sales forester based at Tumbarumba, Chris Rhynehart, said.
“These days it is a high-tech operation with mechanised harvesting and haulage by ‘B’-doubles to our customers in NSW and Victoria.”
With13500 hectares of alpine ash forest in the Tumbarumba area, Forests NSW engages three contractors to harvest and haul it – R&V Bergin at Tumbarumba, McGuire Logging at Tumut and PC and B J McConachy from Three Bridges inVictoria.
“Theash resource produces a vast array of products ranging from high quality saw logs for value-added products such as sliced veneer used in flooring and kitchen cupboards et cetera, to lower quality products such as pallet wood,”Chris said.
“Most of the tree is now utilised – even the seed.
“Alpine ash regenerates only from seed. In the past, we have collected seed to be planted in other areas of NSW and Victoria that have been severely affected by wildfires.
“Itis a great opportunity to utilise the excellent seed crops in Bago StateForest.”
Chrissaid there was an increasing interest in the use of alpine ash for sliced andpeeled veneer because of its pale colour and uniform characteristics.
“Itis predominately straight grained and will easily take a stain, which makes itpopular in overseas and domestic markets for flooring and cupboards.
“Overthe years alpine ash has also been used as a resource for tool handles and oarsfor boats, which were manufactured at the old Laurel Hill mill and used on lifeboats throughout the world,” he said.
One of Forests NSW biggest veneer customers is Gavin Rowe at BonumSawmills at Barham.
Thealpine ash forests are managed on a sustained-yield basis with less than five per cent of the resource harvested each year.
The forests are also used for a wide range of recreation including mountain biking, horse riding, four-wheel driving,walking the dog and bushwalking as the Hume and Hovell Track runs through large areas of alpine ash and associated mountain gum and peppermint stands.
“In addition, the alpine ash forests form part of the water catchment area for the township of Tumbarumba, which makes them a true multiple-use resource,” Chris said.
Sarah Chester - Public Affairs & Media, Albury
