The dominant vegetation type to the east of the Kuranda area is Rainforest, while to the west, a drier area, it is open forest. The map (Below) shows broadly the extent of rainforest and rainforest regrowth, and this can guide revegetation if your block has been cleared in the past.

Photo: Rainforest at Kahlpahlim Rock in the Lamb Range near Kuranda. The bright orange plant is known as Resurrection Plant, and is related to the Lilies.

History of Clearing

Much of the rainforest in the Kuranda area was extensively cleared early last century. Some was used for grazing, while crops such as coffee were also grown. Frost wiped out many of the coffee plantations.

As a result, much of the rainforest presently seen around Kuranda is actually regrowth, which returns of its own accord once farming or grazing ceases. The forested hillside east of Mt. Haren , where the Flying Doctor communications masts are located, was grassland only 15 years ago, for example.

Regrowth rainforest differs from the original forests of the area since a few pioneer species dominate. Black Wattle, Milkwoods, and Bleeding Heart are common pioneer species. They quickly shade out grasses and weeds, and allow the gradual introduction of a wider range of species, which may be spread by birds, including the cassowary, which is responsible for the dispersal of a considerable number of rainforest species.

Eventually the pioneer species die, leaving a diverse rainforest in their wake. However this is a slow process, taking several decades, and many people are keen to see the rainforest regenerate more rapidly.

Photo - Open forest near Davies Creek.

Revegetation

By planting species native to the original forests of the areas, revegetation can be achieved quite quickly. It is best to source trees from nurseries that collect seed locally. KURANDA Envirocare is careful to use local seed in its nursery.

If you decide that you are interested in revegetating some or all of your block, possibly to attract wildlife, or create a fire break, then KURANDA Envirocare may be able to assist you with helpful advice on appropriate species, planting techniques ,and so on. You might also consider joining the regular tree planting activities of KURANDA Envirocare, (currently for an hour on Saturday mornings, followed by a ‘cuppa’), where you can meet new people and learn how and what to plant with others who share your interest.

Corridors and Links

The World Heritage rainforest to the east of Kuranda forms a very narrow link with larger areas to the north and south. This is divided by the Barron Gorge, which besides the physical barrier it offers to wildlife, has also changed through repeated burning along the railway line.

KURANDA Envirocare has identified a belt of rainforest to the west and south of Kuranda which offers an alternative link. This is identified on the map as the Envirolink corridor, and fortunately much of the rainforest in this corridor is in good condition. Often the western margin of the rainforest is a complex blend of ecosystems, not yet well studied, and well worth preserving. Tree planting that extends this corridor, or a smaller corridor nearer Kuranda, (the Fairyland corridor), is especially valuable. So is planting along stream banks, some of which have been totally cleared.

Following representations to Mareeba Shire Council in 2004, Kuranda Envirocare was able to have the Envirolink Corridor included in the mapping of the Shire's Planning Scheme, for the first time. This large area is now protected under the Shire's Significant Vegetation Overlay requirements. It includes the bulk of the area shown in the map below.

Revegetation of stream banks helps prevent erosion and improve water quality, which in turn helps preserve the Great Barrier Reef .

Map