No pining for chopped trees

By Tania Martin
SIXTY exotic pine trees near Sassafras have got the chop.
People can now see clear across the Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve where the trees once stood adjacent to Mt Dandenong Tourist Road.
Matt Hoogland, Parks Victoria ranger, said the trees were noxious weeds that were at risk of falling.
“A number of the trees were very old and declining in health,” he said.
“Removing the trees was a matter of risk and weed management.”
Mr Hoogland said the pine trees were noxious weeds that feed the growth of ivy and holly.
Yarra Ranges Streeton Ward councillor Noel Cliff said Parks Victoria had done a fabulous job in chopping down the trees.
Cr Cliff Streeton said the trees were a blight on the hills landscape.
“It’s great. Parks Victoria have got rid of the rubbish,” he said.
Mr Hoogland said Parks Victoria was now clearing away all the trees that have been chopped down and will work with the Friends of Sassafras Creek to revegetate the area.