HISTORY

The environmental history of the Goonoo Forest can be broken up into 5 different phases.

1. Geological formation and evolution of animal and plant communities and species over many millions of years resulting in a low fertility, low water retention environment.

2. Settlement of Indigenous communities in and around the forest from around 30,000 years ago characterised by long term sustainable use and management of natural resources.   

3. Colonial settlement in the area from the 1830’s characterised by temporary occupation and unregulated destruction of natural habitats leading to;   

• Fragmentation of the forest and isolation from other forested areas.   
• Wholesale removal of mature trees.  
• Significant erosion along creek lines.   
• Hunting pressure on native wildlife and introduction of feral predators.   
• Removal of Indigenous people from traditional lands.  

4. Management as a State Forest from 1917 to maximise harvesting of timber for commercial use.   

• Reduced but ongoing removal of mature trees.  
• Modification of plant community structure with selective clearing and changes to fire regimes.   
• Addition of permanent water points encouraging invasive species to form sustainable populations.  
• Increased access to remote areas via a network of fire trails, increasing spread of invasive species and supporting increased human infiltration.  
• Increased awareness of the natural values of the forest and community pressure for greater conservation.   

5. Conversion to partial conservation status and transfer of management to NPWS from 2005.   

• Forest managed to prioritise conservation of species and natural habitats.   
• Greater surveillance and monitoring leading to a reduction in destructive activities   
• Management programs introduced for control of invasive species.   
• Increased promotion and usage of the forest for non-destructive purposes.