Dryandra Woodland - Department of Environment and Conservation ...

In Dryandra, natural mallet stands predominantly occur on the break-away slopes. The plantations
were established on these sites and also on the broad valley slopes and floors. In the latter areas the
original vegetation-generally Wandoo and Powderbark Wandoo woodlands-has mostly been
displaced.
Wandoo and Powderbark Wandoo
Over two-thirds of Dryandra is natural bushland consisting primarily of Wandoo and Powderbark
Wandoo woodlands, Since the early part of this century most woodland areas have been cut over for
sawlogs, fencing material and firewood. Broadscale cutting of Wandoo initially declined in 1967 with
the closing of the sawmill in Dryandra, and later ceased in 1977 when most areas of Dryandra were
no longer able to sustain Wandoo timber production (Forests Department 1981). Since 1977 the
Forests Department and then CALM have managed the Wandoo woodlands primarily for flora, fauna
and landscape, although approximately 20 tonnes per year of Wandoo and Powderbark Wandoo
were removed under licence between 1983 and 1989.
Currently, most local companies requiring Wandoo obtain supplies from State forests in the
Mundaring and Jarrahdale districts, where the larger areas of forest can sustain the supply. However,
pressure to harvest Wandoo from Dryandra still continues.
Under this Plan it is proposed that all future supplies of Wandoo for local companies will come from
State forests in the Mundaring and Jarrahdale districts.
Minor Timber Species
There are a number of minor timber species in Dryandra that are likely to have been cut in the past,
including Sandalwood, Rock Sheoak, Jarrah, Marri, Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis), York Gum and
Jain (Acacia acuminata). Commercial interest has recently been rekindled in some of these species,
particularly Rock Sheoak.
Since 1931, 15 Sandalwood experimental plots have been established in the Dryandra Woodland.
Many plants within these plots are still surviving and are a potential source of seed for future
plantings. Recently CALM purchased a small area of private property in the Highbury area to
demonstrate the commercial and land conservation benefits of establishing sandalwood on cleared
farm land.
The Timber Industry
Currently, plantation mallet harvested from Dryandra Woodland supports a number of local
industries. These include a tool handle manufacturer who produces approximately 100 000 handles
each year, a small industry for the treatment and supply of fencing materials, one licensed operator
who cuts firewood and fencing material, and two licensed operators who cut firewood only.
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