THE weed problem is getting bigger, writes KIM WOODS

Russel Kelly has been flying around the Lake Hume and Dartmouth dam catchments for 30 years.

The Mitta Mitta pilot has taken literally thousands of aerial photographs documenting a slow choking of the landscape.

Since the savage 2003 bushfires blackberry and English broom have invaded by silent stealth.

From the air, the success of the invasion is evident.

Every gully and clearing between the native trees is filled with blackberry bushes, some as big as houses.

We skirt along Lockharts Gap in Russell's two-seater Cessna aeroplane.

The range acts as a spine linking Victoria's biggest water storages, Dartmouth and Hume dams.

From above the blackberries are a lush green, carpeting crown and private land.

Some landholders have sprayed their farms, trying to halt the invasion from the bordering state forest.

"We could have Australia's biggest blackberry jam factory right here," Russell said.

"They are right through the bush, not just in the gullies.

"It's nearly taken over the state forest.

"It's absolute desecration."

With plenty of rain last year, growing conditions have been ideal for weeds.

"They have come back bigger and stronger," Russell said.

Russell has posted aerial photographs of the weedy pests on his website, attracting hits from around the state.

"I'm getting feedback from outside the area as it is seen as an endemic problem in the Ovens and Omeo areas not being addressed," he said.

"Some visible patches have been dealt with by Department of Sustainability and Environment contractors but there is not enough funding for adequate spraying.

"The blackberry and broom are now in places I've never seen them before, in 30 years of flying around here."

Russell said biological control agents had failed to make an impact.

DSE North East land and fire manager Alan Dobson said spraying had begun late last month, before plants dropped their seeds.