The ACT Native Woodland Conservation Strategy is now open for public consultation.
Announcing the consultation, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman said the Strategy guided the protection, restoration and management of lowland and sub-alpine woodlands, and the plants and animals that live in them, for the next 10 years.
Mr Gentleman said the ACT’s woodlands covered more than 79,000 hectares, had significant conservation value and were exceptional in size, diversity and habitat for threatened species.
“Approximately 70 per cent are within the ACT’s reserve system and protected by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service and community groups, particularly dedicated ParkCare groups,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Our native woodlands are facing numerous threats including climate change, inappropriate disturbance, invasive species, dieback and urbanisation.”
He said that among other things, the Strategy identified the management of threats, cooperation with the community and other partners, the safeguarding of threatened species and the need for further monitoring and research.
“The new Strategy will replace the current Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy, which has guided significant progress in the protection, restoration and management of our woodlands since 2004,” Mr Gentleman said.
Public comments close on 24 May and the 104-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
