Are The Community Managers unable to work with DSE?

For the last three years or so the Victorian Government has tried to get control of forests through Community Forest Management. At one stage anoyone with vehicles was to be barred untill the 4by groups pressed a point. I wonder what you make of the latest CFM Structure Change?

Quote from their latest Newsletter
"The Wombat Community Forest Management structure has gone through yet another evolutionary phase. During 2005 many participants in CFM commented that a move to a practical project basis was how they wished to participate in CFM at this stage. A feeling of lack of progress at the Council of Stewards level led 7 out of the 10 active Working Groups on the CoS to withdraw their WG from the Council in December.

These Working Groups have remained committed to CFM and are pursuing a range of projects at present. This has meant that the CoS has been put into abeyance due to the lack of numbers to meet the necessary quorum.
Many of the Working Groups have expressed a preference for actually getting out in the forest and doing things. The East Wombat Cleanup is a good example of the potential for the community and DSE to work collaboratively on a project that has seen 70 tonnes and over 20 car bodies removed from the East of the Wombat on the day (see article inside). This is the first phase of a project to refurbish Firth Park, Carry out track rationalisation in consultation with user groups and community and an education program. Discussions are under way to establish a multiple user trail that links Woodend to Firth Park. This would be for use as a mountain bike trail, walking track etc.

DSE remains committed to CFM. The Department is about to detail its range of projects for the year. DSE has a range of issues, works and strategies it needs to work on.

These will be carried with significant CFM/community involvement. The project are: Continuation of the East Wombat Cleanup and expansion into clean-ups for the remainder of the forest, probably in two phases. The development of an East Wombat Visitor and Recreation Plan that identifies and reviews current infrastructure, commitments and priorities for future works. The Streamside Crossing project is part of plans to develop and commence the implementation of strategies to improve water quality in the forest through improved streamside crossings. A continuation of working with the community to deal with pest plants in the Wombat, particularly building on existing works around Blackwood. The Ecosystem Health Project will look at the provision of support systems and mechanisms to improve management of all aspects of management. The development of an East Midlands Firewood strategy.