The ancient old growth forests of the Central Highlands cover a mere 1.2 % of the forest area today. These giant trees are still historically considered the tallest flowering trees on earth. Today the largest examples are found in Tasmania and the Central Highlands, with many found in areas exposed to logging.
It takes at least 120 years for habitat hollows to form. The Leadbeater’s Possum, Greater Glider, Feathertail Glider, Mountain Brushtail Possum (Southern Bobuck) and Ringtailed Possum are a number of nocturnal arboreal mammals that call these trees home. Powerful Owls, Sooty Owls and Southern Boobooks also inhabit these forests. Innumerable invertebrates, fungi, lichens, mosses and hornworts utilise space along these multi-story homes.
The Great Forest National Park will protect all remnants of the past and secure the future of giant trees by setting aside large tracts of forest that are less likely to burn in wildfire events. The aim of this new park is to enrich the landscape with ecologically mature ecosystems, increase floral and faunal biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration rates and improve water catchment yields. It will provide the 42 vertebrate species who utilise tree hollows with a safe habitat in which to live and flourish.
Why we need a big tree protection plan and the Great Forest National Park proposal meets global scientific criteria. New policies for old trees.
We propose adding 355,000 hectares of protected forests to the Central Highlands of Victoria to form the Great Forest National Park
Currently there is only 170,000 hectares of parks and protected areas in the Central Highlands of Victoria
Help support our work in expressing the conservation needs and compelling opportunities that we could address through the establishment of the Great Forest National Park for Victoria.
How to DonateThe Great Forest National Park is a large complex proposal, covering environmental impacts and the conservation of wildlife, economic benefits to the area and more. Visit our FAQ for more information.
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