River+Redgum+Forests+along+the+Murray+River

= Sustainability Science =

River Redgum Forests along the Murray River.
This is the first area for debate of how to best manage environmental resources sustainably.

__Topics for debate__ are:
 * 1) National Parks are needed along the Murray to preserve river redgum forests for the future: (Affirmative: AB, LB | Contra MM, DM).
 * 2) Motorbike Riding should be banned in state forests and parks : (Affirmative: B, CH | Contra JF, DE).
 * 3) Hunting should be allowed in state parks and national parks: (Affirmative: MB, AK | Contra CS, J).
 * 4) Wakeboats should be banned between Echuca and Torrumbarry : (Affirmative: JO, CMcG | Contra AP, HK).

Introduction
We began this unit with a debate about need for National Parks along on the Murray. In researching for this debate you will be contrasting the ability of National Parks and State Forests to preserve the iconic Murray River River Redgum forests.

Both sides agree that the river redgum forests are in trouble. Following many years of drought, tree health is in decline. The seasonal flooding which the forest relies on to regenerate has not occurred and threatened species which rely on the forest habit to survive have been pushed further towards extinction. Local communities prefer the multi-use strategies possible under the State Forest system. They argue that this has worked in the past, and that there is no need to change. They also fear they will lose access to a resource which is the basis of employment and lifestyle. There is a long tradition of logging, firewood collection, hunting, grazing, camping and fishing in these areas. Backers of state forests believe that removal of grazing and thinning of trees by foresters will increase bushfire risk and total destruction of the habitat.

Conservationists prefer centralised management which concentrates on ecosystem preservation. They see change as necessary, fearing that if recent strategies are continued, then further environmental damage and species loss will occur. National Parks strategies included restriction and more control of activities that can occur in the forests. There is an emphasis on ecosystem health. Some locals believe that conservationists do not know their forest, except from textbooks. Scientists argue that their investigations are thorough and that they see the bigger picture.

__ Task __ Research about one of the following forests.. include this in your keynote
 * 3 facts
 * 3 pictures
 * 1 map / diagram
 * Barmah
 * Perricoota
 * Koondrook
 * Gunbower

Following the debate we agreed that we needed to investigate:


 * the biodiversity of river redgum forests
 * economic contribution of river redgum forests to local communities.

Mind maps of the biodiversity and economic contribution of the redgum forests to local communities (along the Murray River) has now been posted.

Make sure that you can explain these in your own words. This is likely to be an exam question.



__ Task __ Research
 * Use the following links to research facts and arguments for your debate.

Resources
> "The river red gum forests and the industries and social systems they support are in decline due to river regulation, over-allocation of water and drought. This decline is predicted to worsen under climate change".
 * 1) Victorian National Parks Association downloadable report detailing the value of the river redgum forests in terms of tourism and estimated value to the community.
 * 2) Botanical information about the river redgum.
 * 3) A detailed and well presented report focussing on the contribution of forestry to regional towns in NSW Riverina. Sawmills, numbers of employees as well as the saw-milling process are identified and described.
 * 4) This balanced report identifies everything from duck hunting and grazing through to tourism. Its focus on the contribution of redgum forests to the employment of people in small towns on p52 is particularly relevant.
 * 5) Nature Conservation Trust: endangered animals. (Sugar glider).
 * 6) Report on biodiversity of the Riverina Redgum and woodland forests...
 * 1) Flora and fauna in the Murray Darling Basin.
 * 2) Keith Stockwell: Barmah Forest

This video from the Wilderness Society from 2007 introduces the perspective of a conservation organisation. media type="custom" key="24403740"