Despite devastating fires in 2019-20, far East Gippsland remains an environmentally unique region in Victoria, with many habitats, plants and animals found here and nowhere else in the state.  The forests house a full suite of fauna and flora, from the ground to the sky. Based on assessments more than 170 rare or threatened species of plants and animals had at least 50 per cent of their known habitat burnt in the fires.

At least 31 covenants were impacted by fire in East Gippsland. Encouragingly there were patches of unburnt areas on properties that were affected. Also thousands of hectares across private and public land in East Gippsland forests weren’t directly impacted by the fires. Partnering with landholders after fire is critical in looking after remaining refugia. Properties that have been burnt can still be considered for protection.

We worked on two projects supported by the Victorian Government—Iconic Estates and Ark Link— within an area of East Gippsland. They enabled us to work with landholders to protect more forest and help existing covenantors manage pests, weeds and install fencing. These properties were more critical than ever in helping recovery efforts. One property we worked with the landowners to covenant, and thankfully wasn’t burnt, is particularly special because it is adjacent to a state forest and is a valuable breeding site for the threatened White-bellied Sea Eagle. It is also home to the Sugar Glider and the nationally threatened Greater Glider which live in hollows in large trees such as the Mountain Grey Gum.