TREAT

Peterson Creek Wildlife Corridor Project

The Peterson Creek Wildlife Corridor Project aims to establish a wildlife corridor between the Lake Eacham section of the Crater Lakes National Park and the Curtain Fig State Forest and Yungaburra National Park which are presently isolated. The Peterson Creek Revegetation Project started in 1998, and to date (March 2006) some 50,000 trees have been planted. The project aims to re-establish links between the small (approximately 500 ha) and isolated Lake Eacham Section of the Crater Lakes National Park and The Curtain Fig State Forest and Yungaburra National Park. The Curtain Fig State Forest and Yungaburra National Park are adjoining but the combined area is still a relatively small area of forest, in terms of habitat for sustainable populations of animals such as the Tree Kangaroos, which inhabit this forest.

Aerial Photography : Bartle Frere 2004

Aerial Photography : Bartle Frere 1997 WTMA GIS Reference No: J359

The Aims..

• Initially this project aimed to create stepping stones of native vegetation between Lake Eacham section Crater Lakes National Park and Curtain Fig State Forest.
• Building on the initial work this project now aims to create a wildlife corridor between the two isolated areas of forest.
• To improve the Peterson Creek environment
• To provide shade and protection for stock
• To establish an extensive flora and fauna monitoring program
• To provide an example of government, community and landholders working together to achieve benefits for biodiversity conservation

The Facts..

• The Peterson Creek project commenced in 1998
• Every year to date approximately 1.5 to 2 hectares of native riparian vegetation has been re-established
• The initial work was successful in planting approximately 15 000 trees, as stepping stones along Peterson Ck.
• Currently work is continuing aiming to link the two isolated areas of forest.
• All trees planted are locally occurring native species.
• Some rare tree species have been included in the planting and include Firmiana (Firmiana papuanum), Hairy Penda (Xanthostemon whitei) and Coorangooloo Quandong (Elaeocarpus coorangooloo).

Recent small mammal and reptile surveys have shown several native rodent species and frogs utilising the 1998 planted area

Who's Involved...

The project is a joint initiative between the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service - Restoration Services, community tree planting group TREAT (Trees for the Evelyn and Atherton Tablelands) and Landholders along Peterson Creek. The main plantings have been on the Palumbo family's farm, de Tournouer family's farm, Byrnes' family's farm and Burchill family's farm.

Current Situation

TREAT and QPWS - Restoration Services have now planted 50,000 trees (March 2006) along Peterson Creek, the map below shows the areas planted, the two photos above show the progress of the project, the top photo was taken in August 2004, while the second photo was taken before work started on the Peterson Creek project in 1997.

Stage 1 of Peterson Creek

Photo of Peterson Creek Project taken in January 2000

Photo of Peterson Creek Project taken in April 2002.

Photos of Peterson Creek Project taken in January 2003

Photos of Peterson Creek Project taken in May 2006 by Lars Kazmeier & G. Vick.