Mid-north forests

Forests in the state’s mid-north region were opened for expanded use, after bushfires destroyed over 2,000 hectares of publicly owned plantations in 2013 and 2014.

This initiative is a result of the Mid North Forests Future Strategy undertaken from 2014-17. It was developed in consultation with the local community and informed by early engagement around the future of the forests.

Proposals received for potential land use options were evaluated based on social, environmental and economic criteria.

Forest land use

The Wirrabara, Bundaleer, Yarcowie and Leighton forests are managed by private enterprises, such as:

  • agriculture
  • horticulture
  • research
  • community recreation and sport
  • commercial forestry interests.

Aside from commercial outcomes, over 3,500 hectares of the Wirrabara forest has transferred to the care of the Department for Environment and Water. This includes the:

  • Ippinitchie campground
  • King Tree Paddock
  • Wirrabara Range and Spaniards Gully conservation parks.

See the land use map (PDF 615.7 KB) for where expanded enterprises are operating in the mid-north forests.

Trails

Trails pass through both the conservation parks and lands managed by private enterprises, which are protected by provisions under the Recreational Greenways Act 2000.

These explore dense native vegetation and open farming land, taking in excellent views of the region.

Follow up to date information on The Heysen Trail and Mawson Trail routes through the forests.

Wirrabara forest

Livestock production has been expanded across Wirrabara forest in land that is no longer suitable for commercial forestry, particularly in its northern regions. Commercial forestry will continue under private management in the southern sections of Wirrabara.

Horticulture in Wirrabara forest offers an expansion of industry already present in the region, and potentially the creation of a new one. This includes:

  • fruit orchards
  • a Spring Gully research trial on Manuka honey production,

The Heysen and Mawson trails both pass through the forest on conservation lands and through privately managed lands.

Wirrabara forest – public access areas map (PDF 471.6 KB)

Bundaleer forest

General agriculture is continuing across Bundaleer forest, including:

  • livestock production
  • firewood collection
  • cropping.

Commercial forestry in suitable areas that were not affected by the bushfires will continue under private management arrangements.

Community associations provide opportunities for the public to enjoy the historic forest through managing the:

  • Bundaleer Sports and Recreation grounds
  • adjacent picnic grounds
  • trails.

The Heysen and Mawson trails also traverse Bundaleer, including huts for overnight stays – book accommodation for the Heysen Trail.

Bundaleer forest – public access areas map (PDF 535.2 KB)

Yarcowie forest

This approximately 40 hectare forest reserve will be used for:

  • agriculture
  • tourism
  • bio-char production – a carbon-rich charcoal that will be used in agricultural cropping systems.

Leighton forest

This forest reserve, of similar size to Yarcowie forest reserve, will be used for agriculture and forestry. This includes:

  • sustainably harvesting a small portion each year to enable regrowth
  • grazing sheep to reduce fire risk.

Contact

Rob Robinson – Director, Forestry
Email: pirsa.forestry@sa.gov.au

Page last reviewed: 22 Mar 2023

 


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