Many hours of work over the past 15 years has gone into improving Forge Creek reserve, an ecologically significant creek system of East Gippsland that links to the Gippsland Lakes.
The Forge Creek reserve is about 7kms south of Bairnsdale and includes 10km of creek line and over 70 ha of land. The reserve contains woodlands and forests around a chain of fresh water ponds that eventually flow into the Gippsland Lakes at Newlands Arm.
Romawi Landcare and Cobblers Creek Landcare groups, together with other volunteer organisations and government agencies, have joined forces to create a healthy environment for native fish, birds and animals along this important waterway. Improving Forge Creek also helps reduce nutrients entering the Gippsland Lakes.
Graeme Dear, CEO EGCMA said “Loving our Lakes is about a shared responsibility to participate in caring for the Lakes and catchment.”
The project has received funding from multiple sources over these years with recent examples being Gippsland Lakes and Landcare funds from the Victorian government.
Stock is now excluded from the reserve and many adjoining landholders have contributed by fencing off additional land to protect significant trees and sites abutting the reserve.
Controlling weeds has been a huge component of the project and will continue to be a part of the ongoing maintenance undertaken by DEWLP, Romawi Landcare and other involved agencies.
A major erosion problem was addressed by the EGCMA. “Rocks and vegetation have been placed in critical sites to control erosion, protect vunerable ponds and help with the flow of water in times of heavy rains,” said Graeme.
With flourishing undergrowth and improved water quality many species including Pygmy Perch; a small native fish, have returned to the area. A rare species of water-lily was planted on the banks of the ponds and is now self-seeding.
Michelle Judd, a member of Romawi Landcare said “The Romawi Landcare group has enjoyed the continued cooperation of landholders, other volunteer groups and agencies.”
Romawi Landcare would like to see the area used as an educational tool. With obvious visual results and easy access, the reserve would make an ideal study area for schools and other groups.
