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Dse Assesses Forest Storm Damage In Gippsland

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is urging forest users in the Gippsland region to take extreme caution following the storms which battered much of the state early this week.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 5th September 2005 - Back to News

Gippsland region Acting Regional Director, Neville Penrose said that DSE crews were currently patrolling areas of State forest to determine the damage to the road and track network and other assets.

Mr Penrose said that visitors to forest areas need to take extra care when driving on forest roads and tracks and be on the lookout for fallen trees and limbs and other debris.

"We have crews checking strategic fire tracks and areas of high visitor usage, making these a priority for clearing to ensure safety of access."

"Initial reports suggest that there has been significant damage to the forest as a result of the strong winds and heavy rainfall, particularly in the east of the region and at higher elevations." Mr Penrose said.

The storm may result in additional or extended road closures in State forest until the network is considered safe for public use.

Mr Penrose said surveys would also be undertaken to determine any damage to other assets including visitor facilities and fire towers.

"It will be two or three weeks until we know the full extent of the damage, particularly to many of the more remote areas of the forest.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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