Residents get together to learn about flora and fauna surveys

Forests NSW ecologist Chris Slade and assistant ecologist Neil Hampshire based at Eden recently organised for a group of Kiah residents to find out first hand what was involved in conducting flora and fauna surveys.

The idea to gather locals together came when the two men were removing cage traps from Forests NSW compartment 127 south of Eden.

Mr Hampshire said as they were removing the traps local resident Clare McMahon drove up the road and stopped to ask what they were doing.

“We explained about the surveys and she also gave us some background history on the area as she had lived in Kiah all her life.

“Clare asked if she could gather some locals together so that we could tell them about the flora and fauna surveys we conduct,” he said.

Mr Hampshire said an evening was organised which led to a great night of discussion around a campfire in the forest at Kiah

“We explained our bird surveys, plant walks and the fact that we at present have 30 cage traps in the forests for five days to monitor bandicoot movements,” he said.

Mr Hampshire said the group were unaware of how much flora and fauna survey work was conducted by Forests NSW in the forests before harvesting was planned

 “When darkness came, we all went on a spotlight walk,” he said.

“Everyone who attended had a great time and plenty of questions were asked, which meant that the residents of Kiah now have a much better understanding of the work undertaken by Forests NSW.”

Media contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669. Photo available.