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Sphagnum Bogs and Fens alpine peatlands in Gippsland play a vital role as water reservoirs and sanctuaries for wildlife

Parks Victoria led a five-year project with partners, experts, and volunteers across three regions to protect Victoria's Alpine Peatlands. Focused on invasive species control, management, and research, emphasising the importance of collaboration.

By news@gippsland - 21st August 2023 - Back to News

East Gippsland is home to some of Victoria's 2000 hectares of Alpine Peatlands. Alpine peatlands, or Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens, are a nationally threatened ecological system found high in the Alps at the head of Victoria's catchments. Peatlands act as a sponge, absorbing and holding moisture, and are a great water filtration system. They also provide habitat to several endemic and threatened species of flora and fauna, including the Alpine Tree Frog, Baw Baw Frog, and the Alpine Water Skink.

Over five years, Parks Victoria spearheaded a project spanning three regions, uniting partners, experts, and volunteers to safeguard Victoria's Alpine Peatlands

Enhancing unique environments

During a five-year cross regional project and for over a decade, Parks Victoria has worked with partners, experts and volunteers to protect these peatlands through invasive species control, weed management, research and monitoring.

The five-year Cross Regional Victorian Alpine Peatland Protection Project, delivered by Parks Victoria, in collaboration across three CMA regions (North East, East Gippsland and West Gippsland), through funding from the Australian government's National Landcare Program.

Acting East Gippsland CMA CEO Amber Clarke said this cross-regional project focussed on improving the resilience of the fragile peatlands to protect and enhance these unique environments.

Alpine peatlands protection

Amber said, "Partnerships are paramount in completing a project like this, as they foster collaborative efforts, share resources and expertise, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing any challenges."

"To mark the completion of this five-year Cross Regional Victorian Alpine Peatlands Protection project, North East CMA has released a video that can be viewed at North East CMA YouTube channel."

Ecosystem benefits highlighted

Partners in the video include Parks Victoria, North East CMA, East Gippsland CMA, West Gippsland CMA and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

These Peatlands are crucial not only because they provide homes for many species, including threatened ones, but they also regulate the flow of water, ensuring the balance of surrounding ecosystems and influencing water health further down the catchment. This is important for the whole community.

Pictures from East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com