Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage's Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia's forests were kept open through frequent burning by First Nations people.

A key question then is: what does the evidence say about what tall, wet forests actually looked like 250 years ago? The answer matters because it influences how these forests are managed.

Our key conclusion is that these forests were not open or park-like-as was the case in some other vegetation types in Australia.

The compelling evidence we compiled all indicates mountain ash forests were dense, wet environments, not open and park-like, at the time of British invasion.

Indigenous rangers in the Western Desert area of northern Western Australia recently spotted a small mole covered in silky golden hair, marking the second sighting in six months. The desert region is home to unique species adapted to the hot, dry environment. The rangers play a crucial role in monitoring and protecting these lesser-known desert species. Ecologists highlight the importance of documenting desert species, especially as climate change impacts their habitats. The rangers, like Lynette Wildridge, work tirelessly to track and protect these elusive animals, showcasing their dedication to conservation efforts in the remote desert landscapes.

A 20-year experiment conducted by Colorado State University researchers in Yellowstone National Park found that restoring apex predators like wolves was not a quick fix for ecosystems degraded by their absence. While wolf reintroduction lowered elk populations, willows and aspens did not recover as strongly as expected even after carnivore numbers rebounded naturally. Constructing fences and dams showed the importance of reducing browsing and increasing water access independently. The study challenges the idea that easily reversing food webs can undo lasting ecological changes.

This article discusses how climate change is threatening Australia's snow gum trees through more frequent and intense bushfires. Snow gums have not evolved to cope with higher fire frequencies and are struggling to recover after multiple fires in short succession. Researchers have found that over 90% of snow gum forests in Victoria have burned at least once since 2000, and 30% have burned 3-5 times since 1938. With less time between fires, the younger snow gums do not have enough time to mature and produce seeds, potentially leading to ecological collapse of snow gum woodlands. Experts are calling for more protection of remaining old-growth snow gum forests and a shift towards prioritizing ecological assets during bushfire seasons.

Silvia Pinca purchased 80 acres of land in New Zealand that was previously used as a pine plantation. She is working to rewild the land by removing invasive species like pines, pampas grass, and banana passionfruit and replanting native trees and shrubs. So far she has removed over 32,000 pines and planted hundreds of native seedlings. Native birds are starting to return to the land to help with seed dispersal. Her long term goal is to restore the native forest ecosystem and create a nature reserve.

Residents of Colaton Raleigh village in Devon, England were upset after discovering that 100 ancient beech trees located on a conservation site had been felled without consulting the local community. The Forestry Commission approved an application by a local landowner to cut down the trees. Residents said the trees were an important part of the local heritage and habitat, and that it will take over 200 years for new trees to regrow. Experts said engaging local communities is important for conservation decisions.

https://now.humboldt.edu/news/research-explores-capacity-biochar-combat-climate-change-improve-forest-soils

Researchers will conduct tests in the Six Rivers National Forest, treating each test site with a unique biochar mix that’s seeded with a native, pollinator-friendly plant mix to compare growth between test sites.

They’ll measure changes in vegetation productivity, diversity, native species composition, soil carbon, nutrients, metals, bulk density, seasonal water availability, and microbial community composition over a five-year period.

The article discusses a new Australian innovation called PYROCO that uses high heat to turn waste like sewage sludge and food waste into a carbon-rich product called biochar. This process removes pathogens and can turn waste into resources like fertilizer or materials for batteries. The technology has undergone trials and shows promise to more sustainably manage waste. Researchers are now working to commercialize the technology.

The North East Forests Alliance is calling for ministerial intervention to protect fire-affected habitat after a disappointing Land and Environment Court ruling today.

On behalf of NEFA, EDO took the state government-owned logging company to court in August to stop it from logging Braemar and Myrtle State Forests.

"In court, Forestry Corporation argued the EPA could change logging rules whenever it considers it necessary. But Forestry Corp has frequently refused to accept the EPA's attempts to implement improved logging to reduce impacts in burnt forests and to reduce impacts on Koalas."

"EDO Managing Lawyer Andrew Kwan said:"While the decision is disappointing, importantly the court ruled that it was open for NEFA to take the action.

"We welcome confirmation for the first time that the community can take critical action in the court to protect native species in circumstances where the authority to log state forests is disputed."

Some midwestern fields are still bordered by hedgerows, but most US farmers don't plant hedgerows and are skeptical of their benefits, worrying that they might introduce pests or predators to their farmland.

North American farmers are also loath to reduce the size of their crop-producing land by adding a living border or to deal with potential difficulties when the hedgerows require maintenance.

Even in the United Kingdom, hedgerows experienced a downturn in popularity as farmers moved towards more heavy equipment for working their fields and maintaining their boundaries.

While US farmers have been slower to embrace hedgerows for their ecological benefits, the science of hedgerows as natural havens has become inarguable.

A farmer looking to embrace the benefits of hedgerows as field boundaries first has to identify what kind of boundary they need.

https://inv.vern.cc/watch?v=WoprVhpOKIk - Hedging (1942)

https://www.npr.org/2023/11/17/1213600629/-it-feels-like-im-not-crazy-gardeners-arent-surprised-as-usda-updates-key-map

https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/new-plant-hardiness-map-used-gardeners-nationwide-and-based-osu-climate-data-unveiled

• Ferrero, the company behind Nutella, has decided to discontinue its hazelnut farming venture in Australia.
• The venture, which was initially seen as a boost for the Australian hazelnut industry, has been deemed commercially unviable due to low hazelnut yields.
• The decision was made based on factors such as return on investment and the current climatic and financial situations.
• Buyers interested in the land would need to invest significantly in removing trees and preparing the land for new planting.
• The failure of the venture highlights the need for hazelnut varieties that are better suited for warmer climates in Australia.