Forestry Corporation of NSW is reminding forest visitors to avoid the Sugar Pine Walk in Bago State Forest following extensive damage in the 2019-20 bushfire season.

The iconic walk site was heavily burnt and now strictly closed to the public due to the risk of falling trees.

Sadly, the Sugar Pine Walk cannot be saved and work will soon begin to remove the burnt trees, said Forestry Corporation Silviculture Manager, Roger Davies.

“Pine trees are particularly susceptible to fire and the intensity of the bushfires has destroyed this iconic walk,” Mr Davies said.

“We have no option but to remove the trees — the site is incredibly dangerous due to the burnt standing timber.

“Sugar Pine Walk is strictly closed to the public and forest visitors must avoid the area for their own safety.”

Forestry Corporation will also be working with mills and local contractors to salvage the bushfire-affected wood, with work starting from early June this year.

The organisation has commissioned a photographer to capture the Sugar Pine Walk as it stands and will share these images with the community.

Sugar Pine (Pinus lamertina) is native to the west coast of America and is the largest and tallest of all pine species. The site was planted 1928 as a range of different exotic species were being trialled by the forestry industry.

Forestry Corporation staff are also exploring how to mark the passing of the forest and how best to commemorate the loss.

“Planning is underway for a replacement Sugar Pine Walk, with seed and seedlings in the current site being collected for propagation and replanting for future generations,” Mr Davies said.

“We are also looking at other ways we can preserve the memory of Sugar Pine Walk and share with the community to celebrate 100 years of plantation forestry in the local region.”

To find out more about the history of Sugar Pine Walk and current operations, please visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au

Media Contact:  Rod Campbell   0428 058 549

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428 058 549