Forestry Corporation of NSW has worked closely with Local Land Services and other Central Tablelands land managers this year in two major wild dog control programs.

These joint pest control programs have made a significant impact on wild dogs in the Central Tablelands to the benefit of local farmers and native fauna.

The first program was an aerial baiting campaign, where Forestry Corporation conducted 78km of baiting in State forests. This joint program saw a total of 770 km of bait lines by project partners Crown Lands, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Water NSW, Forestry Corporation and private landholders.

The second program saw coordinated ground baiting around the Lidsdale and Portland areas. Forestry Corporation set 30 km of ground bait trails in State forests. The broader program involved the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Centennial Coal, Energy Australia and freehold land and covered a combined 80 km of trail.

Both of these programs were coordinated by Local Land Services as part of the Central Tablelands regional pest control strategy.

Forestry Corporation manages two million hectares of State forests across NSW and takes its wild dog control responsibilities seriously, said Silviculture Manager Mike Freeman.

“Wild dogs pose a significant risk to wildlife as well as livestock on adjoining properties, so we are working closely with Local Land Services and forest neighbours to heavily reduce their numbers,” Mr Freeman said.

“Attacks on livestock can have significant financial and emotional impacts on landholders in particular, and we are pleased to be able to make a difference through this work.”

The impact of wild dogs cannot be understated, said Central Tablelands Local Land Services Senior Land Services Officer, Paul Gibb.

“As we’ve seen in the Central Tablelands and across NSW, wild dogs can devastate livestock, pet animals and a wide range of native animals,” Mr Gibb said.

“Thanks to everyone involved for taking action; there has been a significant reduction of wild dog sightings in the baited areas.

“This coordinated program brings in a wide range of public and private land managers, and is a great example of tenure neutral pest control under the new Biosecurity Act.

“This work has been well received by the community and we are working with program partners to continue this coordinated approach.”

For more information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428058549