DURING 2016 Mount Canobolas was frequently in the news. The main issue concerning our much loved mountain has been that of the proposed mountain bike trail.
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The proposed trail has been opposed by environmental groups because of the threat it poses to the environmental and ecological values of the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area. This is an issue which will take a long time to resolve.
A more immediate threat to the unique Mount Canobolas environment is that of introduced invasive plant species, in particular, English ivy.
English ivy (hedera helix) was probably introduced into Australia as a garden plant. It has escaped and is now recognised as a serious environmental weed in several states, including NSW.
It is an aggressive invader that covers and kills trees. As a ground cover it chokes all other competing plants, ultimately forming an ivy desert where nothing else will grow. Such ivy deserts currently exist in many parts of the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area, particularly at the foot of the mountain.
It is in recognition of this threat that an alliance has been formed between the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Orange Mountain Bike Club, Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange and the Orange Field Naturalist and Conservation Society.
The aim of this group is to provide support for the National Parks' existing program to control the ivy infestation. Our National Parks and Wildlife Service does an excellent job but does not have the resources to cope with the magnitude of the current ivy infestation. Community support is required.
Mount Canobolas is a valuable asset. It is used extensively for recreation, it attracts tourists and is recognised as possessing many unique natural features. When we have visitors, a trip up the mountain is usually on the agenda.
The group invites members of the Orange community to become involved in a program to help maintain the health of the mountain we love so much. The first working bee will take place on February 19, commencing 10am.