Elsie Lange
A Macedon Ranges council project recording and monitoring the health of local Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) will soon present its findings to the community.
Ecologists Karl Just and Tim D’Ombrain will present their exciting research at a public talk on June 17 in Newham, which found the trees were in “relatively good health”.
“There are plenty of young Snow Gums, which may help prepare the species for future impacts as the climate warms,” a council statement said.
The project worked closely with landcare groups and the Arthur Rylah Institute to record and monitor the health of the species, and identify any local climate change impacts on the ancient trees.
It’s believed the species evolved during the ice age and recent dieback has raised concern for community members, who worried climate change was wreaking havoc on the trees’ future.
Mr Just said the Macedon Ranges supports the largest known concentrations of Snow Gums in Central and Western Victoria.
“The largest population documented in the Newham area was distributed across five hectares at Hennerbergs Road, Saunders Road and Finchers Lane, where 697 trees were recorded,” Mr Just said.
“We believe this to be one of the largest populations of Snow Gum in the lowland areas of Victoria (i.e. below 800m elevation).”
“The Mount Macedon populations of Snow Gum are the highest within the shire, occurring between 900-1000m elevation. They are likely among the largest stands of Snow Gum outside of Eastern Victoria.”
Council planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld the state government funded project had been a great success with “fantastic” citizen science contributions from the community.
“Thanks to the participation of Snow Gum enthusiasts from across the shire we now know more about our iconic Snow Gums, which will help us better protect the species as the climate changes,” Ms Stockfeld said.
Twenty-five community members took part in the project to provide data and locations of the Macedon Ranges Snow Gums.
A report with full details on the findings will be available at mrsc.vic.gov.au/Biodiversity from June 17.
The presentation on the findings, as well as a question and answer session, will take place at the Newham Town Hall on Friday, June 17 at 6pm.
Register: mrsc.vic.gov.au/Snow-Gum-Project
