Trees falling in the forest

Zumsteins Picnic Ground was one of the locations that were affected by the Grampians bushfire in January this year.

A spruce prior to the fires

Now the National Parks people have confirmed that rangers will remove 80 pine trees, 27 of them at Zumsteins. The trees, nearly 100 years old bore the brunt of the fires which swept through the area. Planted in the 1920s they are part of the heritage of Walter Zumstein. Between 1934-35 Walter & Jean Zumstein built pise (rammed earth/clay) cottages using local earth and stone, and second-hand building materials. Walter was sympathetic to the environment and planted 100s of both rare native and exotic trees.

Radiata pines at the picnic ground

National Parks plan to replant with ornamental species which reflect the historic nature of the area.
Zumsteins Picnic Area and McKenzie Falls are both still closed to the public after the fire damage. Other sections of the National Park have been reopened, with Parks staff monitoring conditions during the wet months.