"The original dedication, consisting of 4997 acres in the parish of Woohlpooer, was purchased by the Crown in the year 1913 from WC Carter Esq. of the Glenisla Estate. It consisted primarily of an open stand of mature Red Gum, precisely similar to that occupying the recently dedicated country, which was heavily ring-barked by the previous owner with a view to increasing its pastoral value. The ring-barking, carried out apparently in, or shortly after, a good seed year, was succeeded by a prolific seedling regeneration which completely occupied the site. The obvious potential of the area thus became silvicultural, rather than pastoral, and it's value as a national forest asset was recognised."
Source: Working Plan 1930s"
The Woohlpooer State Forest is situated on the Henty Highway between Horsham and Hamilton. It comprises of 3000 ha of productive red gum, and is regarded as the “jewel in the Nile” in the southwest of the State in relation to red gum products. Unlike riverine red gum forests along the Murray, Woohlpooer is a slow growing dry land forest, unique to central Victoria
Woohlpooer has been host from the Mallee to the coast for red gum forest products since the end of the Second World War. During the period between 1975 and 2009 many timber men have played a part in shaping the way the forest looks today, many have come and gone, but all have left their mark.
The links below will provide access to stories about some of the characters who spent part of their working life converting timber into forest products during my time as the Forest Officer based at Cavendish.
Roger Edwards (left) and Don McArthur (farmer/sawmiller)
Woohlpooer State Forest, 1997
Source: R Edwards
Output from 1975 to 2010
Sawlog Volume- 11900 m3Posts (square) - 51400 number
Posts (standard) - 254400 number
Strainers - 16000 number
Stays - 4100 number
Poles - 440 number
Green firewood - 57000 m3
The volume taken by commercial firewood cutters is not available.