ENVIRONMENTALIST and former Nyah resident Morgana Russell is urging locals to become involved in protecting the river red gums of the Nyah forest, warning their numbers have dwindled to 10 per cent of pre-settlement cover.
Ms Russell said the red gums were vital to the health and quality of the river and that they required regular flooding to remain healthy.
“While water is a valuable resource to the region, we often think about the farmers need for access to it,” Ms Russell said.
“The reality is the red gums’ access to ample water supply has great significance to the health of the river system and therefore the region as a whole.”
When water flows in and out after floods, the trees filter the water taking up nutrients and re-oxygenating the water.
Their contribution allows fish to breed and removes the toxins from the water.
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