Create a Nature Conservation Reserve on Lot 46

Finding new trees

Last month, when inspecting our reforestation at Lot 46, I discovered a new Mueller's Silky Oak Austromullera trinervia seedling growing inbetween the trees (photo below). It's wonderful to see the forest regenerate naturally like this, especially when you find species unique to the area. I've linked below a video where our Land Manager Joe talks about growing seedlings of this Proteaceae. 

Turning rubbish into a rainforst protector.

Before we could start reforestation of Lot 46 over 180 tons of rubbish had to be removed from the site. Dumped tyres were a significant proportion of this rubbish; an annoyance and unwieldy.

It’s important that tyres are disposed of responsibly. So, we've started a new research project to find a new use for recycled tyres - one that will have benefits for rainforest.

We were catalysed into action when some vandals illegally drove over newly planted trees at Lot 46. A barrier was needed to stop vehicles from driving onto the land. However, all the commercial products were too urban for a rainforest setting. Having already removed dumped tyres from the land, we had the idea of re-using tyres to stop people from driving into the rainforest.

The first phase of the project has just been completed, developing prototype recycled tyre bollards designed to have a low visual and environmental impact. Several design approaches were tested, before we found a manufacturer who could create a bollard from recycled tyres. We’ve now created 12 prototype bollards which will be tested out in the rainforest – helping protect it forever.

Help plant a rainforest

If you’re in Queensland next month our next community tree planting day will be on May 13th up in the Daintree: save the date for your diary. We're doubling our target from last year and are looking to plant 2,000 seedlings over the morning planting. Visit rainforestrescue.org.au for more information and to register your interest in coming along.

Links:

• Rainforest Rescue: Save the Daintree
• Video of Land Manager Joe at our nursery

Lot 46 sits at the base of and is part of the magnificent Wundu (Thornton Peak) which connects directly with the World Heritage area and Daintree National Park. A prominent peak and landmark, Thornton Peak rises above the Daintree Rainforest to a height of 1374m. The peak is covered by native rainforest and is home to a number of endemic species. It is one of only three mountain tops in Australia that are home to the cinereus ringtail possum.

These areas, along with the greater Daintree area have great spiritual and cultural significance to the Kuku Yalanji people, the indigenous inhabitants and traditional owners of the land which stretches from around Cooktown in the north to near Chillagoe in the west and Port Douglas in the South.

‘We are true rainforest people who live in harmony with our environment. We are part of it and it is part of us. Our culture has always involved a deep respect for nature and an intimate knowledge of its cycles.

What we know about the plants of the rainforest we learnt from our elders - our fathers, grand fathers, mothers, uncles and aunties. What we know belongs to them, to our culture and our traditions.’
Kuku Yalanji Elders

By acting quickly and purchasing this property, and with supporters help, Lot 46 was able to be fully restored. Through extensive regeneration methods, time and care the biodiversity of an ancient rainforest has been conserved for now. In linking Lot 46 back to its original source Wundu, not only has an important corridor been returned, but we are helping to protect country which is greatly significant to the Kuku Yalanji.

Having now completed restoration of the 68 Acre property, we are asking you to help secure it for future generations. (Thank you if you have already given) The next step is to finalise the loan used to purchase the property. Unfortunately until this happens the land is not technically protected in perpetuity. Your donations will go towards this effort as well as towards locking in Nature Reserve status so that this very special rainforest can truly be protected forever. (Out of 28 Daintree properties rescued by Rainforest Rescue and supporters, Lot 46 is the only property where taking out  a loan was an urgent necessity)

Being a ‘guardian’ of this extraordinary land brings great responsibility. Thank you for becoming a Guardian of Lot 46 and helping to return the land to Wundu permanently - ensuring its protection forever.