Willow management on the Goulburn River
The Goulburn River is the major tributary of the Hunter River. It travels east from around Ulan, near Mudgee, and joins the Hunter near Denman. For much of its journey the river flows through Goulburn River National Park, though it passes through some long stretches of private land.
The NPWS has been working with local landholders, volunteers and other interested parties to control willows along the river since 2002. To date, over 3000 willow trees have been treated.
Work to date
Mapping
In 2001, the NPWS mapped willow infestations along the river between Ulan and Kerrabee as part of a woody weed mapping project for the Goulburn River. We found that willows were spread along the full length of the river, so a control program was started up.
Willow control
In 2002 NPWS staff, contractors and volunteers worked downstream from the Goulburn River's headwaters near Ulan. Over 3,000 trees were treated - nearly all the willows along the river.
We have been following up on this initial work throughout 2003 and 2004, treating the surviving trees to ensure that they do not re-infest the river. Most of the work has been done along the river in Goulburn River National Park. Limited work has been done with willows on adjoining freehold land.
The Willow Bash
The first 'Willow Bash', a volunteer working bee, was held at Spring Gully in Goulburn River National Park in April 2002. Since that time more than 100 people have assisted in successive 'Willow Bashes', held on long weekends each October and Easter.
All equipment and materials are provided for participants, who are given a full operational and safety briefing before work commences.
More information
How you can help - join the Willow Bash
The Willow Bash is an annual event, held twice a year in Spring and Autumn. Volunteers are needed! If you can't make it to a Willow Bash, but want to be involved, alternative working bees can be organised for groups of 5 or more people. Contact us for more details.
Page last updated: 26 February 2011
