Sugar Pine Walk in Bago State Forest, between Tumut and Tumbarumba, before it was destroyed by bushfire. Photo: Supplied.
As machines and forestry workers prepare for the impending removal of the Sugar Pine Walk plantation in Bago State Forest, between Tumut and Tumbarumba, there is an opportunity for creative expression of the despair felt by people with an affinity for the wilderness region.
Forestry Corporation of NSW has launched a photo competition to mark the passing of the iconic tourist attraction, which was extensively damaged in the 2019-2020 bushfire season.
Planted in 1928 by the forestry industry as part of a trial of exotic species, the sugar pine plantation near Laurel Hill, at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, was one of the region’s most loved tourist attractions and a popular wedding spot.
Sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) is the world’s tallest pine species. The natural canopy of towering pine trees above the 500m walk created a natural, picture-perfect cathedral.
The photo competition is focused on memories of the iconic walk, with only images taken prior to the bushfire accepted as entries.
The site is now considered incredibly dangerous due to burnt standing timber and is closed to visitors, said Roger Davies, Forestry Corporation silvicultural manager, Snowy Region.
“Forest visitors must avoid the area for their own safety,” he said. “We welcome entries of photos taken before the 2019-2020 bushfire season. No images of burnt trees will be accepted.”
Photographers are invited to share their favourite memory of the Sugar Pine Walk, with a caption of 100 words or less, including when the image was taken and what made the area so memorable.
The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and the top 50 entries will be showcased in a photo book and e-book commemorating the iconic walk. The winner and shortlisted finalists will also receive a copy of the photo book and digital certificate in recognition of their placement.
Free entry is open to all interested photographers, with more information available here.
Entries close at 5 pm on Friday, 24 July.
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