Snags in waterways are usually formed by trees falling or dropping limbs – one of the reasons why streamside vegetation is critical.

Due to reduced vegetation in areas, and in some cases past de-snagging practices, there is not always enough of this woody habitat entering creeks to sustain good native fish populations. The Goulburn Broken CMA is partnering with landholders, Native Fish Australia and community groups to carry out revegetation and re-snagging works in a number of creeks in the Strathbogie Ranges.

According to CMA works officer Collin Tate, revegetating stream banks provides bank stability, shade and food and will also supply a wood source to future streams.

“Without vegetation there is no natural means of replenishing the streams’ resources,” Collin said.

As it can take many years for trees planted as part of revegetation activities to mature, suitable wood needs to be sourced from other locations to be placed in stream and provide immediate habitat improvement. The more complex the wood (with many branches), the better the snag. Size and species are also considerations for use.

Sourcing the right type of wood for these works is critical. When Collin heard of a local council’s efforts to clean up after a windstorm he quickly made contact.

“The Strathbogie Shire provided us with the fallen wood, which we have stockpiled in readiness for future habitat works. We similarly arranged to transport some of the wood that had been piled up in the aftermath of the Creightons Creek fire in 2014 and placed it into the Hughes Creek in early 2015,” Collin said.