Habitat Forests

What is an Action for Climate Change Habitat Forest?

these are locations where the ACC program will financially support the protection or re-establishment of indigenous plantings
they are sites that are selected first and foremost for the positive outcomes that will occur to the natural environment as a result of the support received by the ACC program
these same sites will of-course also capture and store quantities of carbon during the life of the vegetation established
the establishment of indigenous vegetation will also ensure these locations have a higher ability to adapt to climate change
where possible, sites will also be selected to protect vulnerable species and communites
sites with long term legal protection and some form of permanence of management plans will be given priority in the selection process

The W. James Whyte Island Reserve or ‘The Island’

'The Island' is a large property of over 200 hectares and was donated to CVA in 2006 by W. James Whyte. It is situated near Bacchus Marsh, approximately 50 kms west of Melbourne. While the property is adjacent to the Werribee Gorge State Park, 'The Island' is significantly degraded and our focus is to see it restored to environmental health.

Activities on 'The Island' range from pest and weed control, stock exclusion fencing, water quality testing, invasive weed control, undertaking surveys and establishing over 150,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses within a five year timeframe.

From the commencement of on-ground preparation works in mid 2006 until the end of February 2009, the following outcomes have been achieved through the efforts of many committed and hard working volunteers. Thank you to everyone who has given their time and energy in making this happen so far.

Milestones to date:

3,688 local/international volunteer days completed
80,000 indigenous trees/stems planted, resulting in approximately 8,400 tonnes of carbon being stored on this site
4,800 metres of walking track constructed and repaired
3,500 metres of fencing constructed and repaired
680 kgs of rubbish collected
over 65 hectares weeded
all plantings tree guarded

Other activities include:

Rabbit warren mapping to establish initial base data on population numbers and subsequent pest control over chosen time intervals.
Collection of seed to establish a resource for ongoing rehabilitation of 'The Island' with existing native vegetation.
Water quality testing to create a baseline and monitor the effects of revegetation upon water quality over time.
Undertaking bird and fauna surveys to establish native populations and any changes over the period of rehabilitation.
Assisting with numerous community events including National Tree Day to develop awareness in the wider community and the significance of the site to the local and wider communities.
Tree planting activities aimed at enhancing wildlife corridors and biodiversity links.
Invasive weed control mapping utilising GPS systems providing evidence of weed species and the effective removal of same.

Central and Northern Queensland Habitat Sites:

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) have joined forces to deliver a climate change program in central and northern Queensland to voluntarily offset the emissions resulting from the operation of housing in the township of Dysart. The program aims to achieve a target of 90,000 trees being planted across selected sites in Queensland with an additional 45,000 trees planted at 'The Island' in Victoria. The collaboration has at its heart:

Making a significant contribution to plantings that enhance the biodiversity values of key sites. CVA will undertake plantings that help build the resilience of ecosystems and biodiversity corridors that are expected to be impacted by the increasing temperatures and increased frequency of weather events that will become a feature of climate change.
Educating and empowering individuals and communities to get involved in practical on-ground activities that result in the creation of habitat forests, removing carbon from the atmosphere and building the eco-resilience of targeted species and ecosystems.

Mackay Region

Sites: Creek Retreat Nature Refuge

establish coastal rainforest
offset carbon emissions and increase eco-resilience of the natural environment
improve habitat for nesting turtles and a variety of migratory birds
establish native forest through planting and maintenance of native seedlings

Townsville Region

Sites: Queensland Rail Nature Refuge, Bohle River Wetlands, Townsville Town Common and Stuart Creek

establish native forest through planting and maintenance of tube stock trees
encourage river bank re-growth on designated waterway reserves
revegetate site in keeping within the Conservation Park's management plans for the vicinity
iconic local wetland - long-term commitment exists

Cairns Region

Sites: Barron River, Thomatis Creek, two sites in the Daintree

rejuvenate the river and help expand important wildlife corridors through large scale revegetation activities
protect ancient plant families and threatened species, including the endangered Cassowary and the Spotted-tail Quoll. Removal of weeds and replacing with trees of local provenance to lessen erosion due to climate change

Conservation Volunteers Australia