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DSE & 4WD Groups: Working Together At Merringtons

The call has gone out for public help in identifying vandals who destroyed a revegetation and rehabilitation project at Merringtons Camp Ground recently.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 15th July 2004 - Back to News

Merringtons is in state forest on the Aberfeldy River, 20 kilometres north of Walhalla.

The camp ground was recently repaired and improved by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and community members after the area was severely damaged by vehicles following wet weather last year.

The Latrobe Valley Four Wheel Drive Club, Victorian Four Wheel Drive Club came together with DSE to plant 150 trees at the end of May to rehabilitate the area.

More than 20 Four Wheel Drive Club members helped DSE with the tree planting, which added the finishing touches to the camp ground repairs. A new road network, drainage and barbeques were also installed.

John Partridge, President of the Victoria Four Wheel Drive Club said that it was great to have the opportunity to put a bit back into the bush and forge a better relationship with DSE.

"This is a terrific example of everyone working together to improve our environment for all to use," he said.

However, a week later mindless vandals came into the camp ground and pulled out many of the trees that were planted, as well as spreading litter throughout the area.

DSE Forest Ranger, Noel Lees said that help from the community was vital in creating this project, and it will also be the key to catching the people who tried to wreck it.

"Projects like this would not get off the ground without cooperation between the department and the public. It’s that kind of positive attitude that will help us to catch these vandals and prevent future attacks."

"The 4 x 4 clubs are not only keen to help out, they also provide valuable information to DSE regarding tracks that are unsafe and on many occasions have helped in giving evidence to us about people damaging our camp grounds," Mr Lees said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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