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Level of Significance

  • File
  • Local
  • Regional
  • State
  • National

Age

?yrs

Trees

1

Diameter

1m

Height - 40m

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Details

Common name
Radiata Pine, Monterey Pine, "The Mother Tree"
Botanical name
Pinus radiata
Type
Specimen
Condition
Poor
Municipality
Hepburn (VIC)
Location
Creswick Regional Park, Le Gerche Walking Track, Creswick VIC 3363
Access
Unrestricted
Significances
  • Outstanding size (Scientific)
  • Outstanding species (Scientific)
  • Landscape (Social)
  • Attractive (Aesthetic)
Date of measurement
16 Apr 2006
Date of classification
03 Dec 2007

Statement of Significance

This Pinus radiata tree is associated with the work of pioneer "Forester and Warden", John LaGerche. Of the many species planted by John LaGerche, the Radiata Pine has become one of the most important commercial softwood trees in southern Australia. Therefore, this tree is a significant living monument to the work of John LaGerche. The tree is growing on the site originally used by LaGerche as a nursery for raising seedlings to revegetate the Creswick area following gold mining. John LaGerche did a lot to establish responsible forest management and the principles of landcare through his work in the Ballarat-Creswick Forest. <BR>The tree is located in the middle of Sawpit Gully plantation - an experimental planting area established in the late 1880s with a view of more extensive planting in mined over areas.LaGerche sourced his seed from various locations including the Macedon Nursery, Ballarat Water Board Nursery and the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.