D'arcy Lefroy's property

Statement of Significance

Historic, Aesthetic and Scientific

Physical Description

Information needed from DEC
• Unique stand of karri trees, and;
• Uniform size and age.

History

This area of forest is the location of Gerald D’Arcy Lefroy’s property
which he took up in 1862. The area was originally called Yarkernup and
later the property was known as Karri Hill. Lefroy cleared 23 acres of
forest for grazing, wheat and for a homestead. The wheat venture was
not successful, and in 1875 the property was purchased by the Giblett
family, who allowed the forest to grow back.
In 1916 the area came to the attention of CE Lane-Poole the first
Conservator of Forests. By then the trees were a substantial size. He
demonstrated to a sceptical government and public that karri forests, once
cut, could be successfully regrown. He proposed that the area should be
permanently dedicated as State Forest and not cut and converted to
agriculture. The area was purchased in 1916 and became the first are of
karri forest under management of the Forests Department.
The trees are a uniform sized and age, which makes this a unique forest
area, known as the One Hundred Year Forest. As it now approximately
125 years old, DEC refers to it as Founders Forest.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good
Authenticity: Good

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.