Site 29 Benjeroop State Forest

Description
Located north of Kerang, this Woodland is dominated by Black Box.

Vegetation Description and Composition
This State Forest is Open Woodland dominated by Eucalyptus largiflorens (Black Box). The understory is predominantly Muehlenbeckia florulenta, (Tangled Lignum) and Disphyma cassifolium (Rounded Noon-flower). Members of the Chenopodiaceae Family - Einadia nutans (Nodding Saltbush), Halosarcia nitida (Shining Glasswort), Atriplex lindleyi (Baldoo) and Sclerolaena diacanthar (Horned Bassia) - were also abundant. Several native grasses are still present, but the introduced grasses that were present are now absent. Fewer than 10% of species present are introduced species and their abundance has reduced over the past six years. There are three salt indicator species present, whereas two were present three years previously. The abundance of the salt indicator species Disphyma crassifolium (Rounded Noon-flower) has again increased. Tree health appears stable, but the general appearance of the trees is one of being under stress. Tree regeneration has been moderate. Streamside Research (1999) reported Santalum acuminatum (Sweet Quandong) - listed as "vulnerable" - as being present. However, this species was not found in the recent survey, although Eremophila macularta (Spotted Emu Bush) which is listed as "rare" was again recorded within the site during the survey period. There has been a significant change in vegetation survey results with a continued reduction in species present. However, if seasonally dry conditions are considered when comparing vegetation data then this change is understandable.

Benjeroop Forest

Threats to the site continue to be:

rising groundwater, and salinity levels.

Monitoring Survey Dates
January 1998, October 1998, December 1999, February 2001, December 2001, December 2002.

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