Ecosystem Restoration Australia Project #19157

Create a Nature Conservation Reserve on Lot 46

by Rainforest Rescue

Project Report | May 12, 2021
The Lot formerly known as 46

By Kristin Canning | Partnerships Director

Traditional owner conducting smoking ceremony

Because of YOU – and your ongoing commitment to the forever protection of Lot 46, Cape Tribulation Road in the beautiful Daintree lowland rainforests - last weekend, an extraordinary achievement was recorded.

Lot 46 – this incredibly precious piece of land, which back in 2010 – was pulled off the market and rescued by Rainforest Rescue - was granted Nature Refuge status. Just brilliant!

This 28 hectare property was deeply neglected, devastated by exotic oil palm production and impenetrable with weeds. From a sad, overgrown junkyard to now a thriving, healthy rainforest – the forever protection and regeneration of Lot 46 is simple mind blowing. Says Madeleine, Rainforest Rescue Chairperson:

“The efforts, energy, and determination that have carried out the restoration of this property have very quickly turned into a gift – for Lot 46, the surrounding rainforest, the cassowaries, the catchment, and for the myriad of species that now call this thriving rainforest home.”

It was imperative that Rainforest Rescue bring this rainforest land back to Country, and on approaching the local Yalanji Language Committee, we were able to grant Lot 46 with the traditional name of Kurranji Bubu (Cassowary Land).

In warmest acknowledge to the Traditional Owners, the Solomon Family,’ Kurranji Bubu’ represents a ‘coming home’ of this piece of rainforest, bringing it back into the heart of the Daintree and returning it to its rightful owners.

A throwback to the start of this wonderful rescue and repair story of Kurranji Bubu (formerly known as Lot 46), is detailed in depth on this link.

These remarkable outcomes are only possibly through YOUR continued trust, support and commitment to the work that Rainforest Rescue does tirelessly in the unprotected Daintree lowland rainforest. A truly magical gift – back to Nature – forever.

With your help we'll be able to repeat this success. The plans to build our new nursery is picking up speed, on its completion, our production of trees will soar from the current 27,000 per year to 150,000 ... this will provide for the replanting of almost 20 hectares of rainforest habitat every year!

Gurranji Bubu marks a very important milestone in our journey to rescure, restore and protect unprotected Daintree rainforest but there is still more work to do. We're happy to know that, with your continued support, we can do it!

Thank you, from the bottom of our Rainforest Rescue hearts.

Ecological Advisors Allen & Barbara

Lot 46 to Kurranji Bubu - Aerial Timeline

Lot 46 to Kurranji Bubu - Tree Planters

Links:

History of Kurranji Bubu (Lot 46) restoration

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Jan 12, 2021
Lot 46's Thriving Flora & Fauna

By Kristin Canning | Partnerships

Years after the nearly 50,000 trees were planted to help regenerate and repair Lot 46, Cape Tribulation in the Daintree rainforest, the local Daintree flora and fauna are continuing to benefit enormously.

When I asked for an update on Lot 46 for our wonderful GlobalGiving Donors, from both our new Land Manager, Justin, and Ecological Advisor, Allen, the Southern Cassowary played yet again, a starring role.

Justin says, ‘’I have been watching the local male and female cassowary utilising Lot 46 year after year for the last 5 years for refuge, feeding and raising chicks… It is a valuable corridor to move between other neighbouring properties throughout the year but also provides valuable food sources seasonally of fruit of all sizes for the chicks to the adult birds.’’ Justin has captured Dad and his chicks on Lot 46 as below.

Allen reinforced that; ‘’…Cassowaries are continuing to use Lot 46 in increasing numbers, as with more and more trees, come more fruit production (cassowary’s food sources), so increased cassowaries.’’ In the YouTube video here (Fast Facts - The Glossy Laurel (Cryptocarya laevigata) - YouTube), Allen speaks to one of these food sources, a primitive flowering plant among the interesting family of the Glossy Laurel, and the impact it has in the rainforest.

Allen also commented on the massive 27-hectare property as a whole saying ‘’…it is looking spectacular – many canopies are closing over, meaning very little weed activity.’’

Further life abounds on Lot 46, with Justin adding that, ‘’… since November the Buff Breasted Paradise Kingfishers have returned from Papua New Guinea for breeding once again. Some pairs have taken up residence for feeding to refuel after the long trip but also have excavated a number of nest sites within the termite mounds that grow from the forest floor. Conditions are perfect for the termite mounds … for an airconditioned nest for them. Breeding is now in full swing with the chicks hatched and growing fast preparing for the big flight back north before the rains really set in.’’

Thanks to your support, Lot 46 is the thriving rainforest that we have visioned – all those ten years ago when we purchased this huge piece of rainforest for forever protection. Thanks to you – flora and fauna of the Daintree are all that much safer.

We couldn’t do it without you, we appreciate you and your support SO much.

Allen's YouTube

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Sep 21, 2020
Lot 46 On The Cusp of Nature Refuge Certification

By Cesar Barbosa Garcia | Engagement Coordinator

Lot 46 by Martin Stringer

Almost There!

Lot 46 Cape Tribulation Road, a 28 hectare property that was purchased by Rainforest Rescue in August 2010, is ON THE CUSP of Nature Refuge Certification.

Unfortunately, the Queensland government is not moving fast on this. Whether this is due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is hard to say. Regardless, we are still on track and will be certified soon!

The new certification will open up a new phase for Lot 46. We have asked the local Traditional Owners to help us name the site appropriately and to help welcome Lot 46 back into country, officially - stay tuned for these inspiring developments.

An Exceptional Transformation

After nearly a decade of careful management, the forest is maturing and has formed a beautiful canopy. We are delighted to see the magic unfolding - our Daintree staff report regular sightings of adult cassowaries with their chicks frequenting the property ... a true and inspiring indicator that restorartion works.

Dr Robert Kooyman, Rainforest Rescue's Scientific Advisor and one of Australia's most foremost rainforest experts, has this to say about Lot 46:

"This project provides one of the best global examples, of full property restoration in a critically important area with very high biodiversity values, that I have ever seen. It is a stand-out in terms of taking degraded land back toward rainforest, and through time will continue to accumulate structure, diversity, and habitat features that will contribute to local and regional conservation outcomes."

Lot 46 is a world class example of how effective restoration can recreate a natural ecosystem. If you haven't seen them already, check out these special ABC reports:

ABC Far North - Growing a Rainforest. A story about how an oil palm plantation was replanted by hand and transformed into a lush rainforest on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park.

ABC Landline - Rainforest Rescue: Transforming a derelict farm into rainforest. A project that saw this derelict palm oil plantation restored into thriving rainforest.

We look forward to bringing you more inspiring news about Lot 46, stay tuned!

Lot 46, 1972 to 2019

Dr. Robert Kooyman and Madeleine Faught

Cassowaries on Lot 46

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