Forest custodian honoured

More than a decade of commitment by local field naturalist, Judie Peet, to conserving the habitat of the glossy black cockatoo will be celebrated at a special ceremony in Goonoo State Forest this weekend.

Western Regional Manager for State Forests, Paul Wells, said that Judie Peet had been instrumental in organising and enthusing members of the Dubbo Field Naturalists and others in carrying out regular surveys of the endangered glossy black cockatoo populations of Goonoo State Forest.

“Judie Peet has taken a keen interest in ensuring that measures are taken to protect these populations and the well being of other plants and animals in what she terms her special place,” Mr Wells said.

“She has been instrumental in ensuring consistent high quality monitoring of bird numbers so that behavioural patterns and seasonal variations can be better understood.

“Judie has also been keen to ensure that forest management and conservation values are better understood by all parties, with view to achieving better long term management of the forests.

“She has actively supported improvements in the management of glossy black cockatoos, mallee fowl, other threatened flora and fauna along with the legitimate use of the forest to produce a range of other benefits for the community.”

Mr Wells said that in recognition of Judie’s lifetime commitment to forest custodianship, a dam at the northern end of Goonoo State Forest is to be named “Judie Peets Dam”.

“These forest dams and their surrounds have provided essential watering sites for the glossy black cockatoos particularly during drought times such as we are currently experiencing,” he said.

Representatives of the Dubbo Field Naturalists, State Forests and the National Parks & Wildlife Service will be present to celebrate this special occasion with Judie.

Media contact: Paul Wells on 02 6884 5288.