Snow gums are the iconic vegetation species of the Australian High country.
They are beautiful, vital for biodiversity and tourism, help hold snow pack which is released into river catchments, and hold deep cultural value for many people.
However, we are now seeing the beginning of ecosystem collapse across these forests – drought, dieback and successive fires have altered the structure, composition, and condition of snow gum woodlands dramatically.
We must intervene and develop a robust recovery plan if these ecological communities are to remain viable into the future.
Friends of the Earth is currently working on an application to have snow gums listed as threatened under federal environmental laws (called the EPBC).
As part of this process we will be organising another round of citizen science surveys during January 2027.
The first round of surveys in August saw almost 190 people join surveys in 19 locations, from Lake Mountain in Victoria to Namadgi national park in the ACT.
In total 10,291 individual trees were surveyed.
Our second round of surveys will add to the valuable data that was gathered in August and directly support the EPBC application.
Please sign up for this if you would like to:
- Find out more about hosting a survey - we will hold an online briefing in December zia zoom
- Are keen and ready to organise a local event on your favourite mountain
- Are interested in joining a local event.
While we are proposing January 24/ 25 as the weekend for the surveys, you are most welcome to organise a local event whenever suits you during January.
For background on our campaign please check here.