Our thoughts are with all Victorians who have been affected by the devastating fires in Gippsland and the north east of the state.

Our thoughts are also with covenantors who have been affected.

It is likely that at least 40 landholders with conservation covenants have been impacted so far, in addition to Trust for Nature’s own reserve at Maramingo. Using available information including maps and the knowledge of the regional staff, Trust for Nature is working as quickly as it can to understand who and what has been affected by the fires.  As soon as we can the Trust will do what it can to support these landholders with recovering habitat on their properties.

It is timely to consider the significant contribution which covenantors make to the care of Victoria’s environment.  Covenantors work continuously to look after their land—often over many, many years— for the benefit of our plants and animals and for us.  Trust for Nature’s connection with covenantors is ongoing and we want to do all we can to assist those who have been impacted by the fires at this time. In due course and when covenantors are ready.

For those outside affected areas who want to support recovery action on covenants, Trust for Nature has set up a Bushfire Habitat Recovery Fund for donations towards the extra costs incurred for Trust for Nature and landholders to work together to restore habitat. You will find more information and/or can donate through our website.

This is not for emergency support; it is for habitat restoration in the medium to long term for covenanted properties directly impacted by the fires. Anyone wanting to support emergency efforts in general can donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

As our supporters will know, our work is regional and across Victoria.  This means that we have staff who live in affected areas and who have been impacted by the fires personally.  We are focused on providing them with support through this very hard time.

If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to call us on 8631 5888.

Sincerely

Victoria Marles
CEO, Trust for Nature

Photos courtesy of DELWP.