http://www.lfnc.org.au/PDF%20files/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20June-July%202007.pdf
Outing 7 July: North Esk River Restoration Project
To follow up on his talk on the North Esk River Ribbon of Blue project Gus Green
escorted members to the sites along the Esk River where his work with the North
Esk Landcare Group commenced in 1991.
Gus and Mrs Green were joined by 7 club members for the tour along the banks
of the river from Hoblers Bridge to near Henry St, a walk of about 3 km. The
track is an all weather raised surface, some of which was laid on sawn trunks of
willow removed during the reclamation process and covered with gravel. Some
of it is a constructed boardwalk.
Gus showed us his photographs of the work program where the river had been
almost completely choked by willows, where the crews had commenced work, to
demonstrate the intensity and difficulty of the project, exacerbated by flood
levels and intense cold in which they had to work during the only periods of the
years when labour was available. There were 20 men with 2 supervisors using 6
chainsaws involved at any one time. A difficult and uncomfortable operation
working under such conditions.
We walked from the first activity by the Hoblers Bridge, where the work
commenced in 1991 and where the Lions Club members actually tried to find the
real river course using old pruning and bow saws. This was the first site of the
willow removals from the river banks by hand in December 1991. It was
obvious how difficult this must have been from viewing Gus's photographs. As
the work progressed using better equipment and finance much wood was
chipped and stored in large bins made of milled willow. This was later
transported to areas where mulching was needed around the city. A temporary
dump was also made of sawn willow logs where members of the public were able
to remove it for home heating purposes. It was also in this area where the
remnants of the old bridge were visible. The difference between the conditions
when the work commenced shown in Gus's photographs and that of now is quite
remarkable.
We progressed to an interpretation site where Gus showed us sheltered panels
established to show the public where and how the river banks were reclaimed.
They are extremely interesting, particularly to those of us who had not been
involved. We then progressed along the walking track to about level with Henry
St and under the railway bridge. The track is an all weather placed material
maintained by the Launceston City Council, and along it has been planted
indigenous trees which have made excellent growth during the years since
planting during 1993 and 1999. The whole area has become a most attractive
park land, which no doubt will be of increasing value and interest to the public
and an enhancement to the Launceston City recreation areas.
Gus remarked that this was an excellent time to view this new landscape that
only just a few years ago had been just a dream. However there is still much
work to do continuing the reclamation of the river and eradication of the
damaging willow infestation. Gus and his North Esk Landcare Group are to be
congratulated for the past work and future work to be carried out as time and
finance become available and to the gangs of unemployed workers who had the
time and interest to work on the project. It was such a pity that so few club
members were able to join us on a day that commenced with rain threatening,
but which did not eventuate. An excursion well worthwhile and so close to home.
AP
What?! So, suddenly willows cause erosion?!?
Has there ever been a clearer indication of how the dominance of a simplistic ideology can warp the way we frame reality, than in the case of beliefs around ‘willows and erosion’?In Australia, Salix species were used from the early days of British occupation to stabilise observed erosion. This use continued for around 200 years. Let’s face it, where they are left in place, willows are still preventing erosion to this day. Despite this, for some reason, amongst the lengthy litany of accusations levelled at willows by nativist literature is the charge that they cause erosion! ... https://nonnativistlandcare.org/2014/11/21/what-so-suddenly-willows-cause-erosion/
DECEMBER 11 2016 - 4:09PM Toli Papadopoulos ... http://www.examiner.com.au/story/4347864/community-celebrates-north-esk-river/
PHOTO: TAMAR: Roger Tyshing, Gill Basnett, Gus Green with a 1991 Examiner front page detailing the beginning of the North Esk clean up, Lachlan Macfarlane, holding a Chappell Island tiger snake.
It’s been 25 years since the North Esk River was restored to its former glory, in a major restoration project generating widespread support. On Saturday, a public celebration was called to mark the 25th anniversary, with Tamar NRM detailing the history of repairing one of Launceston’s most important natural assets. The Ribbon of Blue Community Day recognised the work of Launceston Lions member Merv Whybrow and his colleague Gus Green, who began to gather a critical mass in December 1991 to restore the urban waterway. Six months later, fish, birds, and animals had returned to the area, and the project would later garner support from the City of Launceston and various corporate sponsors. Project founders Gus Green said the restoration of the Ribbon of Blue had also set a precedent for other waterway projects in Tasmania and interstate. “The Ribbon of Blue was the largest corporate and community urban Landcare project in Australia,” Mr Green said.
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RIBBON OF BLUE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION EVENT – 10 DEC 24/11/2016 GILL BASNETT
Celebrate Biodiversity and Recreation on the North Esk
Come join us in a fun, free, community event to celebrate 25 years of river restoration and creation of a recreation feature along the North Esk between Hoblers bridge and Henry Street.
Activities on the day will include: free face-painting, kids treasure hunt, interpretive walks, BBQ lunch and photographic display.
“The Ribbon of Blue was the largest corporate and community urban Landcare project in Australia and after 25 years, remains a major recreation and environmental asset.” Founders Gus Green and Merv Whybrow
Event is being hosted by Tamar NRM, NRM North and local Lions Clubs.
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| GO2 ... https://permaculturenews.org/2013/11/12/weeds-wild-nature-permaculture-perspective/ |
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