The ISV (International Student Volunteers) conservation work was done just prior to the hazard reduction burn undertaken last week.

Bodalla Forest Rest Area and the Mummaga Lake Walking Track had been closed in recent weeks for the planned hazard reduction burn.

A spokesperson said Forestry Corporation successfully completed a 140-hectare hazard reduction burn last week and the Bodalla Forest Park will reopen today.

“The burn will help protect the communities of Brou Lake and Dalmeny from the risk of bushfire and create a rich seed bed to encourage regeneration following recent timber harvesting,” they said.

“We have removed hazards in the Bodalla Forest Park area but remind visitors to exercise common sense when visiting areas that have been recently burned and particularly look out for overhead hazards.

“We will continue to monitor the larger burn area to ensure all fire has been completely extinguished.”

Back to the students, ISV project leader Joe Park said this international volunteers’ project was just one of many taking part across Australia this year from May to September.

Most projects consist of a two-week stint doing volunteer conservation works followed by a two week adventure tour.

“For this project Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) in partnership with NSW Forestry Corporation coordinate the works and have also assisted greatly in facilitating learning opportunities for the students,” Joe said.

The main focus of the works in the Bodalla SF has been walking track construction and repairs, erosion control works and weed removal.

The group consists of eight university students from all across the United States, from Ohio to California to Nebraska.

“While they are studying a range of degrees they all have a common interest in wanting to visit Australia and not only holiday but take part in meaningful conservation projects, hence them choosing the ISV program,” he said.

They visited a number of local sites, and loved the Australia Rock and Camel Rock, and were lucky enough to hear a talk from an indigenous expert from NSW Forestry Corp.

“They have thoroughly enjoyed their time in the Narooma area with highlights a plenty, including tasting fresh oysters and seeing their first kangaroos and emus and of course achieving some great conservation works in the amazing natural environment of the NSW South Coast.”

“In addition to their daily works they have also taken part in a range of learning opportunities, visited a number of local sites, they loved the Australia Rock and Camel Rock, and were lucky enough to hear a talk from an indigenous expert from NSW Forestry Corp.

Find out more at www.isvolunteers.org/about

Forestry Corporation pleased with work

Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Partnerships Coordinator Brendan Grimson said the volunteers focussed their efforts on improving three popular walking tracks, Mummaga Lake Walking Trail, Kianga Boxcutting Rainforest Walk and Comans Mine, as well as the Bodalla Forest Rest Area.

“We completed some timber harvesting in Bodalla State Forest late last year and our work to restore the area is still progressing. We were delighted to have the assistance of eight CVA volunteers from the USA to help us get the some of these areas back into top shape,” Mr Grimson said.

“The team made some great progress in restoring the Bodalla Forest Rest Area site for visitors to enjoy. We have just finished up a hazard reduction burn to remove branches and leaf litter around the rest area to create a rich seed bed and encourage natural regeneration and visitors will continue to see improvements in the area over the coming months.

“We’re thrilled to be able to introduce volunteers from all over the world to our region and to our local State forests. As well as pitching in to help us maintain and improve our facilities, the volunteers also had a great opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna and hear from Forestry Corporation Aboriginal Partnerships Liaison officer Joe Brierley about locally significant cultural sites and traditions, which they really valued.”   

Forestry Corporation has partnered with Conservation Volunteers Australia in State forests since 2002.

To date, over 100 kilometres of multi-use tracks and over 10 kilometres of boardwalk have been repaired and maintained and multiple public amenities have been repaired, painted and upgraded.

In addition, more than 230 hectares of weeds have been removed, thousands of trees planted, over 100 kilograms of endemic seeds collected, nearly a tonne of rubbish has been removed and over 35 kilometres of fences have been repaired or maintained.

To volunteer with Conservation Volunteers Australia visit www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

To find out more about Forestry Corporation of NSW, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au

Hazard reduction burn in Bodalla State Forest