Southern Forests and WARRA
The Forest Education Foundation’s Project Forest DVD has a wealth of information that can enhance student’s appreciation of the ecology,management, history and research associated with the Southern Forests and the WARRA Long Term Ecological Research Site. The WARRA site is one of a global network of such sites and is regularly visited by international scientists. The area has a diversity ranging from dry peppermint ridges through tall wet eucalypt forest and mixed forest to riverine rainforest containing Huon pine. Timber harvesting in the area began early in Tasmania’s European history and continues to be a significant local industry today. Visits to timber harvesting operations and processing mills can also form part of a visit to the Southern Forests.
FEF has the required safety equipment for school groups and makes the necessary contacts with harvesting and industry personnel.
How to get to the Southern Forests
Ecology
The area has excellent examples of wet eucalypt and mixed forest with Huon pine found in riverine rainforest areas. The tallest known living eucalypt in the world, at just over 100m, has recently been discovered near the Tahune Airwalk. The ecology of the area continues to be intensively studied, particularly in the WARRA area and this provides exceptional opportunities for school groups to learn about its uniqueness as well as the scientific methods used to investigate this ecology.
Management
The Southern Forests offer an ideal opportunity to see a range of different management prescriptions within relatively short distances. These include production forests (both native and plantation), protection forest and reserves, tourism and recreation and research and education sites.
Timber processing and products
The Southern Forests provide the opportunity to follow the production process from forest harvesting through to processing products, distribution and end use. This can be achieved through a focus on one or a combination of experiences including visits to: the Geeveston Forest and Heritage Centre, a working forest operation covering the planning process, timber harvesting, log grading and transport, a country sawmill and the Huon Wood Centre site covering new technologies for processing plantation and regrowth timber.
Science and research
The WARRA research area offers a wealth of opportunities for engaging students in real scientific research projects and opportunities to meet and work with researchers in the field.