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A draft plan for the future management of feral horses in Victoria's Barmah Forest has been placed on public exhibition for comment.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria (PV) are seeking feedback from the community about the draft plan which aims to protect environmental values by reducing grazing pressure within the forest.
"Over-grazing within the forest threatens to impact on the condition of threatened native vegetation, especially along sensitive waterways and wetland areas," DSE Regional Director, Kevin Ritchie, said.
The draft plan is part of a broader program to reduce grazing pressure in the forest by working with cattlemen to minimise impacts on the forest and increasing control measures for feral pigs. It is estimated there are between 100 and 300 horses in the forest.
Impacts of over-grazing include the removal and trampling of vegetation, soil compaction, erosion and the introduction and spread of exotic plants.
Mr Ritchie said the draft plan was developed through consultation with key stakeholders and other Government agencies following an expression of interest period.
"The draft plan investigates options for the removal of feral horses from Barmah Forest and assesses a number of potential management methods," he said.
Following stakeholder review and comments from the community, a final management plan will be prepared.
"Comments received from the community will be taken into consideration in the development of final management and operational plans," Mr Ritchie said.
Barmah Forest is a wetland of international significance and forms part of the world's largest red gum forest. Prolonged drought conditions over several years have impacted significantly on the condition of the vegetation within the forest.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria (PV) are seeking feedback from the community about the draft plan which aims to protect environmental values by reducing grazing pressure within the forest.
"Over-grazing within the forest threatens to impact on the condition of threatened native vegetation, especially along sensitive waterways and wetland areas," DSE Regional Director, Kevin Ritchie, said.
The draft plan is part of a broader program to reduce grazing pressure in the forest by working with cattlemen to minimise impacts on the forest and increasing control measures for feral pigs. It is estimated there are between 100 and 300 horses in the forest.
Impacts of over-grazing include the removal and trampling of vegetation, soil compaction, erosion and the introduction and spread of exotic plants.
Mr Ritchie said the draft plan was developed through consultation with key stakeholders and other Government agencies following an expression of interest period.
"The draft plan investigates options for the removal of feral horses from Barmah Forest and assesses a number of potential management methods," he said.
Following stakeholder review and comments from the community, a final management plan will be prepared.
"Comments received from the community will be taken into consideration in the development of final management and operational plans," Mr Ritchie said.
Barmah Forest is a wetland of international significance and forms part of the world's largest red gum forest. Prolonged drought conditions over several years have impacted significantly on the condition of the vegetation within the forest.