Site 23 Appin Forest

Description
Situated off the Wandella Creek system to the south of Kerang, this is a large Woodland of predominantly Black Box. It has flooded in the past, but water has since been diverted, causing infrequent watering of the forest. The land uses adjacent to the reserve include grazing and cropping.

Vegetation Description and Composition
Appin Forest is Woodland dominated by Eucalyptus largiflorens (Black Box). The understorey is composed predominantly of members of the Chenopodiaceae Family as well as Wallaby Grasse. The "Victorian Rare or Threatened Species" Acacia oswaldii (Umbrella Wattle) is still present. Previously, a number of introduced species were abundant, including Cristesion marinum (Sea Barley Grass), Lolium spp. (Wimmera Rye-grass) and Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn). The abundance of introduced species has since dropped from over 35% present to under 15% present. More than 30% of the species present are salt indicator species. Tree health appears stable, but the general appearance of the trees remains as being under stress. Grazing appears to have ceased which has promoted some regeneration of Black Box. The level of abundance of native and introduced grasses has reduced, due likely to the continued dry seasonal conditions. There has been considerable change in vegetation survey results when compared with previous vegetation data. The area of bare ground has also increased.

Appin Forest

Threats to the site continue to be:

grazing from rabbits and hares and possible future stock grazing.
possible inappropriate water regime.
soil disturbance and increased germination of Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn).

Monitoring Survey Dates
December 1997, December 1998, December 1999, December 2000, November 2001, December 2002.

Page top