Conserving Natural Resources
Natural resources are well-managed on wattle estates, with special attention paid to precious water resources. Contour planting and other methods are employed to manage run-off and prevent soil erosion. During the planting process, farmers are mindful of not encroaching on water courses and wetlands and adversely affecting streamflow around plantations.
Not only the bark but also the timber of the Black Wattle Tree is much sought after. For every ton of bark harvested, wattle also produces about five tons of usable timber. The bark is removed as soon as the tree is felled and bundled and dispatched to the extract factory. Minimising the delay from harvesting to processing of wattle bark at the factory ensures production of the highest quality extract. Once the bark and timber have been removed from the site, the next crop is planted. Each farmer has compartments of different age class trees in order to ensure that he is able to supply bark on a sustainable basis.
