During September sixteen volunteers - members of the Friends of the Colo - spent five days in the remotest section of the Colo River, in the third major onslaught on willow trees. The helicopter-supported operation was aided by white-water rafts piloted by Jack Hodge and his friends from the Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Funding for the program is provided by the NSW Government’s Environmental Trust.
The Friends of the Colo, which includes bushwalkers from several clubs, hopes it has now achieved ‘primary kill’ of willows along the Colo River within the Wollemi National Park.
There is much more to be done. There will be continuing mopping up, and there are yet some live willows on Wollemi Creek, the Capertee and Wolgan. There are other nasties including Cape Ivy and Lantana which the group will be turning its attention to. And there are the many willows downstream from the national park - thought to be the source of the infestations in the park. The group hopes to become involved with the local community in eventually removing these willows.
If you would like to find out more of the Friends of the Colo or phone the secretary Alan Lane on 9890 2413.