Dryandra Woodland - Department of Environment and Conservation ...

Mallet (a source of tannins) was a major export commodity and a resource for local leather tanneries.
Naturally occurring mallet was heavily exploited during this period, leading to the establishment of
mallet plantations in Dryandra between 1925 and 1962. These plantations now extend over
approximately 30% (8316ha) of Dryandra.
Timber harvested from Dryandra Woodland supports a number of local enterprises. 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. The ongoing requirements of
the industry present a unique opportunity to aid in the development of economically and
environmentally sustainable land management practices on agricultural land in the wheatbelt. CALM
intends to be a lead player in the future development of this industry by continuing to allow
commercial operations in Dryandra over the next 100 years (during which time CALM will promote
plantation development on private property), and maintaining a 200 ha plantation to research and
demonstrate plantation management.
Although little is known of the past use of the area by Aboriginal people, evidence of their
occupation and links to the area survive in the form of archaeological sites and the ever-growing
interest of local Noongars in re-establishing cultural ties to the land. The Department of Aboriginal
Sites has recorded five sites within the Woodland, including an ochre quarry, stone arrangements,
artefact scatters and a scarred tree. Dryandra has not been comprehensively surveyed for Aboriginal
sites, and it is likely that others exist.
MANAGEMENT GOALS FOR THE WOODLAND
The Plan outlines the goals, objectives, and strategies for the management of Dryandra for the next
ten years. Based on the recognition that nature conservation is the highest priority, the following
management goals for Dryandra are proposed:
• Conserve biological, physical, cultural and landscape values.
• Facilitate public enjoyment of Dryandra in a manner compatible with the conservation goal.
• Manage commercial uses in a manner that minimises the impact on other values.
SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Land Tenure
State forests 51 (Lol Gray), 52 (Highbury) and 53 (Montague), are vested in the Lands and Forest
Commission (LFC) for the purpose of multiple use. Currently, conservation of flora and fauna is the
primary use, with mallet timber production and recreation as secondary uses. In order to achieve the
management goals listed above, it is proposed that some areas will become nature reserve, some will
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