Trust for Nature is pleased to release a state-wide map of conservation covenants

9 March 2010

Since the first signing of a conservation covenant in 1987, Trust for Nature has entered into over 960 covenant agreements, covering an area approaching 40,000 hectares. In addition, Trust for Nature has acquired many sites of natural significance that have been transferred to the public estate as conservation reserves, and currently owns about 50 properties totalling more than 35,000 hectares. This remarkable achievement has been made possible through public support for Trust for Nature's work, through philanthropic organisations, state and federal funding, and multiple partnerships with Victorian agencies and environmental organisations over the years. Interest in Trust for Natures covenant program continues to mount.

The growth of permanently protected private vegetation across Victoria accompanies the need to manage the risks involved with the placement of services and infrastructure as regional and semi-urban populations grow. Therefore, Trust for Nature is pleased to release a state-wide map of conservation covenants and Trust for Nature-owned properties. The objective of the map is to assist project development managers and contractors in flagging potential impact on covenanted land. A higher resolution map is available for download and distribution (pdf). If you believe your project will impact upon a covenant or Trust for Nature property, we encourage you to contact Trust for Nature for referral to the relevant Regional Manager in your area. Planners may also wish to acquire a GIS layer of the covenants and properties by contacting the GIS Manager at Trust for Nature, via the head office.

Aided by this map, Trust for Nature is looking forward to ongoing co-operation with governing authorities, development companies and landholders to continue to maintain the growth of state-wide development without causing damaging impacts on the conservation covenants we have worked so hard to protect.

Much of our natural bush (grasslands, wetlands, forests and heathlands), is on privately owned land and these precious ecosystems are increasingly threatened. When cleared, we will lose not only beautiful landscapes, but also the diversity of plants and animals that they support.

These remnants of natural bush contain complex ecosystems (rare in public parks or reserves) and even subtle changes can alter these, leading to a loss of diversity that is difficult to repair.

With nearly 70 per cent of Victoria cleared of bush it is crucial we act now to conserve and enhance what little remains of unprotected bush left on Victorian private land.

Australia is already witnessing the impact of climate change.  Trust for Nature is ready to act but we need your help to save Victoria's natural bushlands forever.

Trust for Nature provides land protection, management support and monitoring, purchases and on-sells private land through its Revolving Fund and accepts donations of private land for conservation via gifts or bequests.

Consider donating to Trust for Nature today!