The Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests was formed to lobby for a Box-Ironbark National Park in 1998. The objectives of the group include:
To work towards a common community approach to a healthy, sustainable and productive landscape through conservation of natural vegetation on public and private land in the Mount Alexander Region;To campaign for wise and effective management of the Parks, Reserves and State Forests of the region and to support the inclusion of more crown land in conservation reserves;To promote respect for Indigenous culture and understanding of Indigenous land management practices.

The groups current activities include:

Defence of the Parks system against unwarranted attacks in the press and elsewhere Constructively critical interaction with Park rangers on a number of issues, including road management, the ecological effects of management burning, and weed control. Support for Connecting Country?landscape restoration across Mount Alexander, a project designed to clarify and advance the possibility of landscape restoration on a regional and state level. Management of the Mamunya Art festival Appearance before planning panels and tribunals. Rehabilitation of degraded land at Wattle Gully, in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. Conduct of monthly walks in local bushland, for recreation and education.


The Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests welcomes new members and volunteers. For further information, please visit the group's website at www.fobif.org.au or contact Bernard Slattery, Secretary of the group, on 03 5470 5161 or by emailing slatteryb@aapt.net.au.