The impact of forest thinning on perceptions of recreational value and forest health: technical report of research findings: Wungong catchment trial

Beckwith, J.A., Moore, S.A., Clement, S.E., Curnow, B.D. and Admiraal, R. (2010) The impact of forest thinning on perceptions of recreational value and forest health: technical report of research findings: Wungong catchment trial. Beckwith Environmental Planning and Murdoch University, Perth.

Abstract

The forested catchments of the South West of Western Australia are both vital sources of high quality surface water to the Water Corporation’s public water supply schemes and highly valued venues for outdoor recreation. A 10-12 percent reduction in regional rainfall since the mid-1970s has significantly decreased inflows to the public water supply dams and reservoirs. The Water Corporation is funding a 12 year, $20 million silviculture trial in the 13,000 ha Wungong catchment. Situated on the western margin of the Darling Plateau approximately 50 km south-east of Perth, the catchment contributes surface water to the IWSS via the Wungong Dam. The Wungong Catchment Trial will assess not only the effect of different the silviculture treatments on stream flow but its impact on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and forest structure. It is hoped that thinning the Wungong catchment will improve stream flow, biodiversity, the growth rates of the remaining trees and return the forest to a more ‘mature state’ that will use less water (Water Corporation 2005). Other organisations involved in the multi-disciplinary research program include the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), the Forest Products Commission (FPC), universities and other research institutions.

Item Type:	Report
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Environmental Science
Publisher:	Beckwith Environmental Planning and Murdoch University
Notes:	Prepared for the Water Corporation of Western Australia May 2010
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/3020

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