Tree decline in western New South Wales: fact or fiction?

Summary

A survey was conducted to determine the extent, if any, of tree decline in western New South Wales. Numerous mail enquiries were made as well as a search of the available literature. The results showed that tree decline has occurred and is due to many factors, but the main reason is deliberate land clearing for agriculture. The next major reason is that continued grazing and cultivation prevent any regeneration from becoming established and as existing trees die, they are not replaced. However, in some geographically isolated areas it is excessive growth that is the problem. This situation is due primarily to a reduction in bush fires since white settlement and/or a series of very wet seasons, but in some cases it is actually overgrazing which causes the excessive tree growth. Nonetheless, the overall picture is of tree decline on a massive and cumulative scale.