ERF’s first catchment tour will be hard to top

ERF's  first catchment tour held in April gave the committee members the opportunity to see what the ERF group has been doing in the field. The tour included the Lake Warden and Lake Gore catchments and the Stokes Inlet catchment. It might be a hard tour to top in the future as one of the highlights included the thrill of meeting a baby honey possum at Stokes Inlet.  That was a first for many of the ERF members whose mascot is infact the little endangered nocturnal marsupial. 

 Travelling by coach firstly to Stokes Inlet the members inspected the recent upgrade of the Stokes Inlet amenities.  These were built following major bushfires three years ago that left the National Park without facilities.  Bushfire damage although devastating at the time created an opportunity to improve access and make way for first class facilities for all to enjoy.  The facilities are built in such a way they have minimum impact on the environment and habitats for local species.  The vista from the viewing platform is amazing and provides a perspective of the inlet not seen before. 

Onwards to the Yerritup Creek crossing where much work has been done by the ERF group and their associated partners, DEC and the Esperance Shire to restore the biodiversity to the catchment.  Chairperson Claire Mitchell expressed praise to the landholders for their hard work and was very proud to see that revegetation was thriving and that the issue with the sedimentation being dumped on the road and or the flooding that occurred during heavy rains was now the thing of the past.Members were delighted to revisit the Beilken’s property off Old Ford Road where they had planted trees some years before.  The results of their efforts are now clear and a field walk and discussions with the property owner has members optimistic regarding solving some of the erosion issues affecting the Dalyup River.   

Across the highway and down Murray road, farmers Tom and Jenny Murray share similar river erosion issues during major rains and Tom pointed out areas where revegetation is improving this situation.  At the Murray’s,  members were able to see first hand the vineyards on their property famous for producing the local Dalyup wines and they were also able to enjoy some of the product over lunch which was held in the shady,  peaceful gardens of their 111 year old homestead.  A wonderful stopover and the group were very grateful to the Murray’s for their hospitality. 

For something completely different it was back down the highway, left into Shark Lake Road and onto Myrup Road for information and history regarding the Esperance Shire operated truck wash.  En route, Cindee Hage, project officer for the Lake Warden catchment shared details and information regarding the number of hectares that had been planted out with either perennial pastures or native tree species.  Upon arrival at the Ford’s property on Myrup Road, Jen Ford elaborated on the grasses and trees that have been recently established  and the improvements to the property undertaken by herself and husband David since they had purchased it five years ago.