Introduction
Caring for a private native forest twice the size of New York’s Central Park is no small feat. Sustainable Forest Management has partnered with landowner Dingo Camps to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of his forest, from which he operates his highly successful outdoor adventure brand—Exodus Adventures.
Home to Exodus Adventures, an outdoor adventure centre offering a wide range of nature experiences including abseiling, bushcraft and white water rafting to name a few. This 900-hectare property located in Buccarumbi in Northern New South Wales, boasts a 700-hectare private native forest, equivalent to twice the size of New York’s Central Park.
The mixed-age forest is predominantly Spotted Gum, however features a host of other tree species including Grey Gum, Iron Bark, Turpentine, White Mahogany, Tallowwood, Brushbox, Blue Gum and Grey Box.
The Forest Management Challenge at Buccarumbi
Operating a tourism business from such a vast, scenic property has many benefits including plenty of space for camping and adventure, diverse landscapes for activities like high ropes courses, rock climbing and river rafting. However, the size and location of the property also present several land management challenges, particularly fire management and the mitigation of wild uncontrolled bushfire, as well as terrain and access issues to support ongoing effective property management.
In recent years, the property has benefited from the incorporation of a proactive routine hazard reduction burn program, meaning the forest is currently in a healthy condition and fire risks are being managed well. However, the last selective harvesting took place over 25 years ago, with no specific post-harvest care put in place and the use of thinning as a fire management technique being unavailable, and so in this aspect the forest has largely been unmanaged in recent years. With this in mind, Dingo Camps reached out to Sustainable Forest Management for help in developing a comprehensive forest management plan to ensure the optimal health of the forest and safeguard the property’s future.
Sustainable Forest Management’s Solution
The Sustainable Forest Management team conducted an in-depth assessment of the 700-hectare forest, evaluating fire risks, tree health, access challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The team developed a tailored Forest Management Plan that addressed both immediate needs and long-term goals.
Key actions included:
Fire Mitigation: Incorporating the ongoing strategic fuel reduction program goals through selective thinning and prescribed burning where it was required. This is assisting Dingo in continuing to reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires on his land while promoting healthier regrowth across the forest.
Improved Access: Enhancing existing tracks and creating new access roads, supporting Dingo and his team by making it easier for fire trucks and management teams to navigate the property, especially in emergency situations.
Ecological Balance: Encouraging biodiversity by promoting the growth of non-dominant species like Turpentine and Brushbox while selectively thinning overcrowded Spotted Gum areas.
Sustainable Harvesting: Reintroducing selective harvesting practices to remove older trees, allowing younger, more vigorous species to thrive. This also provided an additional revenue stream for Dingo Camps, contributing to the long-term sustainability of both the forest and the business.
What the Future Holds for Exodus and Buccarumbi
With a solid forest management plan in place, the future looks bright for Dingo Camps and Exodus Adventures. By remaining consistent with the fire management program, the forest is now on a path to optimal health, with fire risks significantly reduced, access improved, and a sustainable harvesting program generating additional income. Exodus Adventures will continue to benefit from the natural beauty and diversity of the forest, while knowing that the property is being cared for in a way that supports its long-term ecological and economic sustainability.
Sustainable Forest Management remains a key partner, conducting regular assessments and adapting plans as needed to respond to environmental changes and new challenges. This proactive approach ensures that the forest remains a thriving asset for both the business and the environment.
In Summary
Dingo Camps’ collaboration with Sustainable Forest Management has transformed their 700-hectare private native forest into a well-managed, sustainable asset that not only supports their tourism business but also preserves the ecological integrity of the land for future generations.Join our community of landowners who are reaping the benefits of sustainable forest management. Contact us on 1300 367 378 today.
