Willow Removal

Trentham Landcare facilitated the removal of crack willow at the historic Enders Bridge site along the Coliban River, just upstream from Trentham Falls, with a Community Grant from the Hepburn Shire.

Crack willows are considered a weed of national significance and are commonly found along riparian areas in south eastern Australia after being introduced in the early 1900’s for bank stabilisation. They cause considerably negative effects for the environment and the economy. A thirsty and prolific tree, they can seriously reduce quality and flow of water, out-compete native vegetation and even starve water of its oxygen at the expense of aquatic organisms.

Removal of the willows at Enders Bridge functions to reduce the downstream spread of invasive willow fragments from affecting Trentham Falls, which represent high environmental, geological and social values.

Previous Trentham Landcare president Patricia Scheltus said “This will reduce the chance of willows growing downstream close to the Trentham Falls. This was a great exercise in the involvement in a number of different parties. Trentham Landcare initiated the idea and then involved Hepburn Shire, NCCMA, Vic Roads, DELWP, and local contractor Platypus Environmental Services”.

Angela Gladman, project Manager with North Central Catchment Management Authority, helped coordinate further willow and blackberry removal downstream of the work done by Trentham Landcare.

Photo: © Sandy Scheltema