The removal operation of the iconic Sugar Pine Walk in Bago State Forest remains ongoing, according to Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), as does the preparation for a replacement. Source: Tumut and Adelong Times
The forest was heavily burnt during the 2019-20 bushfire season and the Sugar Pine Walk trees cannot be saved, needing to be removed to make the site safe again.
A spokesperson for FCNSW explained that following a fire event, many trees will release seeds to regenerate the forest as a survival mechanism, and “that’s happened on the Sugar Pine Walk site.”
“We have begun propagating the next generation of seedlings from these green shoots,” the spokesperson said, adding that a plan for a long-term project to grow a replacement Sugar Pine Walk began several years ago.
“Last year we cleared and prepared a five-hectare site close to the current Sugar Pine Walk in preparation for the replacement site for future generations to enjoy.
“This work will continue, sadly however, without the former Sugar Pine Walk site.
“The site of the Sugar Pine Walk itself will be planted with radiata pine from our Blowering Nursery and managed as a timber plantation for long-term timber supply, alongside the rest of the plantations in this forest.”
FCNSW says it is looking to develop a new facility for locals and visitors in the forest whilst the new Sugar Pine Walk grows in its new location for the future.
“This is a particularly special site to many community members, and we will be setting aside some of the timber to incorporate in a new visitor area we will develop soon,” the spokesperson said, with some of the timber underneath the burnt bark still being usable.
The development of a new visitor area is still in the early stages of planning.
FCNSW is also looking at opportunities to provide community groups with access to some of the timber.
“This process is also at early stages and will need planning to accommodate this particular species. Sugar Pine is a species of timber we do not normally grow in NSW,” the spokesperson said.
“These trees were planted during the 1920s when a range of introduced pine species were grown in plantation trials to see which trees were best adapted to local conditions. As a result of those trials, we now predominantly grow Radiata Pine in NSW and that is the type of timber our industry is adapted to.”
Forestry Corporation said that the Sugar Pine Walk was close to the heart of locals and visitors.
“While we are saddened by its loss, it is good to play a role in making the site safe again and completing the removal process.”
