Huon Valley Environment Centre

Write to the Federal Government - Tell them to Save the Weld Valley!

Please write to the below people expressing your concern about planned logging operations in the Lower Weld Valley. Feel free to print and sign this letter, write your own (best) , or email Julie Collins, Peter Garret, and Kevin Rudd. Calling their offices is also very worthwhile. Remember, these people work for you!

If you do write a letter, please photocop two copies(or write separate letters) and send them to Peter Garrett and Kevin Rudd. It is important that both local members and cabinet decision makers are aware of the strength of community opposition to the destruction of the Weld Valley.

Email/Phone Contacts:

Julie Collins: Julie.Collins.MP@aph.gov.au (03) 6263 5050.
Peter Garrett: http://www.petergarrett.com.au/send-enquiry.aspx (02) 9349 6007
Kevin Rudd: http://www.pm.gov.au/contact/index.cfm (07) 3899 4031

Form Letter:

To: The Honourable Julie Collins MP, PO Box 61 Bridgewater, TAS 7030.

CC: The Honourable Peter Garrett MP, Minister for the Environment, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT, 2600.

CC: The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister, Parliament House, Canberra ACT, 2600.

Dear Julie Collins MP,

Your electorate contains some of the most unique and valued forests on earth. While some of these are protected in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), many others are under threat from logging activities.

The Lower Weld Valley is the jewel in the crown of the Huon Forests. While the upper and middle reaches of the valley are protected in the TWWHA, the Lower Weld, which shares the same   World Heritage values, is being decimated by industrial scale logging. These values have been identified by the World Heritage Committee, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and Federal Government commissioned experts.

In July last year, the World Heritage Committee in New Zealand passed a motion expressing concern over the impacts of logging on the integrity of the TWWHA, including in the Weld. The Committee also passed a motion regarding the impact a proposed bridge over the Weld River will have on the wilderness values of the North Weld Wilderness, a several thousand hectare section of pristine forest bordering the Snowy Range.

These concerns were deemed significant enough for the IUCN to send an official scientific delegation to assess these threats. This delegation arrives in late February.

Forestry Tasmania plans to construct a bridge over the Weld River in the immediate future. This bridge, to open up the isolated and pristine North Weld Wilderness for logging, will severely impact the wilderness values of this area. The situation is of the utmost urgency. Once these values are degraded, they cannot be regained.

Several other logging operations in old growth and wilderness areas in the Lower Weld are also planned in the immediate future.

The Weld also has significant recreational and tourism potential, with uniquely accessible wilderness. Forestry Tasmania recognises this potential, with it's as yet undeveloped “Weld Valley Touring Route”, however the permanent protection of this area would guarantee it's tourism potential remains undiminished.

In this age of climate change, it has been demonstrated that Tasmania's old growth tall eucalypt forests have the highest carbon storages of any of south east Australia's forests. The carbon storage potential and resilience to climatic changes of these forests is increased dramatically if they are left untouched.

The situation is extremely urgent. There is strong community opposition to the logging of the Weld. These forests are Tasmania's heritage, and the World's heritage. I urge you to immediately protect the Lower Weld, for all time.

Regards,

Address:

National Day of Action for Tasmania's Forests

On Friday 3rd August 2007 concerned citizens rallied all over Australia to raise awareness of the plight of Tasmania's native forests and the forest policy sell-out of the ALP. Activists gathered in Launceston, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Newcastle and Perth at the offices of Kevin Rudd, Peter Garrett, Kerry O’Brien, Carmen Lawrence, Lindsay Tanner, Kate Lundy and the South Australian ALP branch office. Read the Tasmanian press release here. Click on thumbnails below for larger images of actions.

Launceston	Sydney	Newcastle	Melbourne
Canberra	Brisbane	Adelaide	Perth

Weld Valley for World Hertigate Campaign

The Huon Valley Environment Centre has been campaigning to highlight threats to the values and integrity of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) from logging and roading in the Lower Weld Valley and other areas for several years.
At the most recent meeting of the International World Heritage Committee in Christchurch, New Zealand, representatives of 21 countries voted to express their concern about these logging threats and determined to send a delegation to Tasmania in the next six months.
This recent decision vindicates the long standing concerns of the Huon Valley Environment Centre and Weld Valley activists, however, today logging and roading activities are continuing.

Download the 'Decisions Adopted at the 31st Session of the World Heritage Committee (Christchurch, 2007). Find the Tasmanian decision on page 73.

View: HVEC Press Release, ABC Online, Radio National PM audio story, The Mercury article

Download the report "The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area: World Heritage in Danger" authored by the Huon Valley Environment Centre and The Wilderness Society, and submitted to the World Heritage Committee meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand, June 2007. (In Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format)

Download the Crisis Report submitted (21.05.07) to the World Heritage Committee in Paris by the Huon Valley Environment Centre. (In Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format)

For more information on the Lower Weld Valley campaign please visit Weld Valley Online.

What You Can Do
to help protect Tassie's native forests

Click here to download the fantastic booklet that shows how you can help the campaign for protection of Tasmania's threatened native forests. Can be easily printed double-sided and made into booklets. Booklet is in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format and is 1.4mb

Xavier Rudd visits Arve Valley
Supports campaign to protect Tasmania's threatened southern forests

On Saturday 7th April 2007 singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd visited threatened old-growth forest in the Arve Valley with workers from the Huon Valley Environment Centre. In Tasmania for the Southern Roots music festival, Xavier took time out of his busy schedule to connect with the forest and the people campaigning to protect it.
It was a glorious autumnal day in the forest, walking amongst 400 year old tree ferns, ancient Sassafras trees and towering Eucalypts. Not far away was El Maestre, the sixth largest tree found in Tasmania (see 'Southern Tasmania's Grieving Giants' for more info). At the Southern Roots festival that afternoon Xavier had two forest banners up behind him on stage for the length of his gig and gave an inspiring and well received talk to the crowd about the importance of protecting the trees.
Please check out the press release and Mercury article here. Visit Xavier Rudd's website. Click on image thumbnails below to view larger photos.

Still Wild, Still Threatened
Southern Forests campaign

The Huon Valley Environment Centre is part of a team of individuals and groups working to protect Tasmania's threatened southern forests, particularly along the eastern boundary of the World Heritage Area.

Huon Forestry District - High Conservation Value forests under threat from Forestry operations.
To go and see these areas, please contact Warrick Jordan at HVEC on 62641286. It is extremely valuable to have the community going to these areas, as it needs to be realised what stands to be lost by our our local communities, and there is the constant possibility of finding special values that may see areas recieve protection. The GPS co-ordinates of these coupes can be obtained from the 3 year Wood Production Plan, available from Forestry Tasmania. Many of the coupes are also listed on FT's website - www.forestrytas.com.au.We will be posting these on the web shortly as well.

Forestry Tasmania is obligated under the terms of it's timber certification program, the Australian Forestry Standard, to actively consult the community regarding it's operations. If you have concerns or would like information regarding these areas, or any other in the Huon District, please call the FT District Office at Geeveston on 62970012. The District Forester is Steve Davis, and the Community Liason Officer is Peter Pepper. Remember, Forestry employees are employed to manage our public forests. We pay them to look after our forests. Visit the forests below and you can decide for yourself wether they are earning their wages.

This list will be constantly evolving so please keep an eye on it.

Key To Terms

Evaluation - The process undertaken by the FPO to prepare a coupe for logging.

Forest Block - State Forest is divided into Forest Blocks. These are specificed areas often coinciding with topographical features, often based around ridges.

FPO - Forest Practies Officer

FPP - Forest Practices Plan. The Forest Practices Officer, employed by the FT district office, is required to create a plan for any logging or roading operation in State Forest. This plan must adhere to the Forest Practices Code and take into account any special values. These are publicly available( for a $20 fee) from your local office, in this case, Geeveston. The HVEC has copies of a number of these plans also.It is important that the community is consulted in this process, which unfortunately, occurs seldomly in the Huon. It is also important to ensure that community members carry out independent audits of operations, to ensure the inadequate provisions of the code are being adhered to.

FT - Forestry Tasmania

HCV - High Conservation Value

HVEC - Huon Valley Environment Centre

OG - Old Growth

WHA - World Heritage Area

Forests Under Threat!

Coupes of Significance, Huon District, November 2007

ARVE VALLEY

Coupe: AR2B/ Bennett's Spur 7.
Operations Expected: 2007
Location/Access: Crib Hill Rd. South off Arve rd before Hartz Rd. Also Bennett's Spur 7 off Bennett's Rd.
Roading/Forestry Status: Roading investigation being undertaken. No planning currently undertaken but work may begin in near future. Roading 2007, harvest 2008.
Notes: Close to WHA, possibly contiguous , adjacent to AR2C which is adjacent to Hartz N.P.ARN.38ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ar002b.pdf

Coupe: AR9B
Operations Expected: 2007
Location/Access: Wyena 2/2. From Geeveston – drive along Arve Rd, turn left on Hartz Rd, Take Wyena 2 spur and drive to end past quarry along rough rd. No gates.
Roading/Forestry Status: Unsure. No roading works/tags. On plan for 2007.
Notes: Adjacent to Hartz NP. Appears to be previously logged regrowth but unsure of most of coupe. Tagged track for previous research work. ARN.30ha.4km rd.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ar009b.pdf

Coupe: AR26C
Operations Expected: 2007
Location/Access: Conways Rd. From Huonville, travel to Southwood, left on Southwood Rd, Conways Rd on right about 1km before connects with Arve Rd. Gate on Conways.
Notes: Adjacent to Arve river. Giant trees located previously on Conways Ridge and directly across the Arve River on Arve Spur 3.007 (giant located very close). CLF.48ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ar026c.pdf

Coupe: AR29A/ Arve 3/2 Ext.
Location/Access: Opposite eastern entrance to Arve Loop Reserve. Off Arve Rd.
Notes: Coupe borders Arve River. Next to Arve Road. Giant trees located previously on Conways Ridge and on Arve Spur 3, which is very close. See above.

Coupe: AR34C
Operations Expected: 2008
Location/Access: Arve Loop 2. No gates.
Roading/Forestry Status: Most coupe finished. 10 ha remaining. Not to be logged until after burn season in Autumn.
Notes: Massive almost giant E.regnans. Adjacent to Arve Loop Reserve. Part of reserve logged in 2007.CLF, cable.8ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ar034c.pdf

Coupe: AR41A
Operations Expected: 2007
Location/Access: Arve Loop 3. Gated.
Roading/Forestry Status: Finished by November.
Notes: Adjacent to Arve Loop Reserve. Contiguous with large pristine forest areas in AL reserve, Hartz NP, and Picton Valley. Beautiful old growth. Ugly massacre. CLF.105ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ar041a.pdf

Coupe: AR41B
Operations Expected: 2007/2008
Location/Access: Arve Loop 3. 10kms on Arve Rd from Geeveston, left onto Arve Loop Rd , 2nd spur on right. Some confusion as to where the cope is accessed from - possibly straight off Arve Rd. Gate at start off Arve Loop 3.
Roading/Forestry Status: Needs roading works. On plan for 2007, however FT says no immediate plans.
Notes: Adjacent to AR41A( several actions staged at this coupe). Mature/old growth dry/wet obliqua close to Arve Loop Reserve. ARN.45ha.0.9km rd.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ar041b.pdf

Coupe: AR50F / Arve Loop 8
Operations Expected: 2007/2008
Location/Access: Off Arve Loop Road, close to western end, turn left off Arve Loop Rd.
Roading/Forestry Status: No plans
Notes: Adjacent to Arve Loop Reserve. The creek which borders the AL Reserve also runs along the eastern boundary of this coupe. This creek crosses Arve Rd a few hundred metres before the Edwards 2 turn off.CLF.26Ha.1.6km rd.

BARNBACK

Coupe: BB16E
Operations Expected: 2007/2009
Location/Access: North Weld Rd.
Roading/Forestry Status: FT planning to build bridge over the Weld , could happen any day. According to FT some further surveying required. May be held up by wet conditions. Roading 2007/early 2008. Harvesting 2009.
Notes: Obliqua wet forest old growth/rainforest. First coupe over river in the North Weld Wilderness(largest section of unprotected rainforest in the Southern Forests).Group Selection(new form of harvesting).1.5km rd. Cable.20ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/bb016e.pdf

Coupe: BB18A
Operations Expected: 2007/2008
Location/Access: Eddy Spur 2.
Roading/Forestry Status: Extension of Eddy Spur 2 beyond Eddy Creek. Could see roading and harvesting at any time. FT says more road surveying/special values assessment required and that operations are several months away, at least next year.
Notes: Pristine unlogged predominately E.Obliqua dominated forest, mature/old growth/fire regrowth mosaic, contains blackwood wetlands,Melaleauca/leptospermum heath, rainforest sections. Habitat for Little Denison Crayfish, Karst potential. Adjacent to Eddy Ck and Fletchers Eddy/Weld River. Previously pristine catchment.ARN 40ha.0.6km rd.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/bb018a.pdf

Coupe: BB19C
Location/Access: End of Barnback Rd
Roading/Forestry Status: No plans.
Notes: Adjacent to WHA. Headwaters of Barnback Creek Creek.

Coupe: BB19D
Operations Expected: 2008
Location/Access: End of Barnback Rd.
Roading/Forestry Status: Could be any day, dependent on South Weld Rd being open.
Notes: Wilderness under Snowy South, borders. WHA,Obliqua old growth with Myrtle understory. SEL(selective harvesting, unsure as to this meaning), Cable.15ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/bb019d.pdf

Coupe: BB20A
Location/Access: Eddy 2/3 not yet constructed. Runs off eddy 2, through clearfell BB22C, opposite old Weld Ark.
Roading/Forestry Status: No plans.

Coupe: BB21C
Operations Expected: 2008
Location/Access: Eddy Spur 2. Behind Old Weld Ark.
Roading/Forestry Status: Possible harvesting after Autumn burns.
Notes: Old growth/fire regen forest in the viewfield of Glovers Bluff.

Coupe: BB24A/ Barnback Spur 1.
Operations Expected: 2008
Location/Access: Barnback Spur 1.Several gates. Located off end of Barnback spur 1, off Barnback Rd Little Denison. Gate at beginning of Barnback Rd( approx 7kms) and gate at beginning of BB Spur 1(approx 2kms away).
Roading/Forestry Status: Extension off Barnback 1 down towards former Weld Ark site. Rd location marked, FT only in initial stages of evaluation. Access road currently closed.
Notes: Large and regrowth E.regnans in Pristine Barnback creek catchment. Waterfalls, lush creek ecosystem, Little Denison Cray habitat. This coupe will wreck Barnback Ck valley ecosystem. Geo morphological features in area, such as cliff faces and unnamed/mapped waterfalls. Steep topography, likely cable logged. Around 1 km from former Weld Ark site.1km rd. CLF.26ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/bb024a.pdf

Coupe: BB25A
Operations Expected: 2008/2009
Notes: FT is planning numerous coupes in the dry forest of Barnback. This area is significant, contains waterfalls and rock formations.CLF, 35ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/bb025a.pdf

Coupe: BB25B
Operations Expected: 2008/2009.
Location/Access: Griggs 1.No gates.
Roading/Forestry Status: 3km rd extension onto Barnback ridge. Long way off. Roading 2008, harvesting 2009.
Notes: FT is planning numerous coupes in the dry forest of Barnback. This area is significant, contains waterfalls and rock formations.3.1km rd. CLF. Cable.25ha.
BB21C
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/bb025a.pdf

BLAKES OPENING (MIDDLE HUON)

Coupe: BK1A
Operations Expected: 2008
Location/Access: At end of Manuka Rd - first left over the Tahune bridge. gates at Tahune.
Roading/Forestry Status: FT conducted some evaluation.Previously told HVEC was shelved for a year however appear to have re-evaluated.
Notes: Wilderness adjacent to Huon River. Large karst system and potential cultural heritage. This coupe has been on the backburner for years. Possibly most contentious coupe in the District, a number of community stakeholders have strong concerns.CLF. 24ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/bk001a.pdf

LITTLE DENISON

Coupe: DN8E.
Operations Expected: 2008
Location/Access: Straight off Mcdougall's Rd over Wallaby Ck bridge.
Roading/Forestry Status: 3 sections done.one remaining for after autumn burns.
Notes: Some sections of old growth, otherwisemature/regrowth adjacent to L. Denison and Wallaby Creek. Swift Parrot feeding site in close proximity.

Coupe: DN1Q/Macdougalls 10 Ext.
Operations Expected: 2009
Location/Access: Macdougalls 10. Ungated
Roading/Forestry Status: Long way off.Logging not on 3 year plan plan.
Notes: Old growth obliqua and regnans forest, adjacent to Little Denison River. Contiguous with large section of old growth in RU1 coupes on other side of river.0.5km rd.

Coupe: DN19H
Operations Expected:
Location/Access: Barnback Road.
Roading/Forestry Status: Contingency coupe. No plans.
Notes: Wedge Tailed Eagle habitat.Adjacent to Wallaby Ck. Near DN19D(harvested winter 2006 and winter 2007). CLF, cable,44 ha.

Coupe: DN20B
Operations Expected: 2009
Location/Access: Barnback 4/1.
Roading/Forestry Status: Long way off.Roading 2009.
Notes: In similar area to BB25B. Dry forest.2.4km rds.

Coupe: DN 24C
Operations Expected: 2008/2009
Location/Access: Off Denison Rd or Old Weld Rd.
Roading/Forestry Status: Early stages of evaluation.
FT is planning numerous coupes in the dry forest of Barnback.FT undecided as to whether road will come from Old Weld Rd or Denison Rd.
Notes: This area is significant as large block of dry sclerophyll with significant vegetational species composition.Also contains waterfalls and rock formations.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/bb024a.pdf

ESPERANCE

Coupe: EP30B/ Peak Rivulet 5 Ext.
Operations Expected: 2007
Location/Access: Peak Rivulet 1, can access Peak Rivulet from Esperance River road (coming from Herman's Rd and Bennett's Rd) or Strathblane (creekton Rd)
Roading/Forestry Status: "Not on FT radar", however on plan for 2007.
Notes: Potential eagle nest site..Continguous with WHA-adjacent pristine forest.Creeks on east and west boundarie s that run into Peak Rivulet.1.5km rd.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/bb024a.pdf

Coupe: EP31E
Operations Expected: 2007/ 2008
Location/Access: Peak Rivulet 1, can access Peak Rivulet from Esperance River road (coming from Herman's Rd and Bennett's Rd) or Strathblane (creekton Rd)
Roading/Forestry Status: Road completed.Currently being evalauted. Could be logged soon.
Notes: Potential eagle nest site..Continguous with WHA-adjacent pristine forest.Wilderness.ARN.50ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ep031e.pdf

FRANKLIN

Coupe: FN29B
Operations Expected: On hold
Location/Access: Behind Franklin.Travel up New Road in Franklin, there is a gate at the start of the SF. Follow road to left. Coupe is the first patch of decent bush after clearfell, runs to Creek at bottom of coupe and finishes at end of mature forest block. Also access from Lidgerwood Rd.
Roading/Forestry Status: Road dissects coupe.No more major roading required. Shelved because of coupe dispersal (ie putting coupes next to each other). Possibly because of close proximity to Franklin community.
Notes: Forest – E.Obliqua dry sclerophyll, some trees up to 150 y.o., remainder trees 50-100 with some younger stands.68 ha contingous with few 100ha of similar forest surrounded on three sides by logged regrowth.

KERMANDIE

Coupe: KD15B
Operations Expected: Was on previous three year plan for 2009, not on current plan.
Location/Access: Bennetts 1/1. Drive up Arve Rd from Geeveston(7kms), turn left onto Bennett’s Rd. Turn left onto Bennets 1 (approx 5kms).Turn left after second quarry(2.5km from bennetts rd turn off).
Roading/Forestry Status: Road constructed to edge of coupe.).0.7kms of road needed for harvesting, noseperate roading FPP. No sign of tags or roading preparation. Long way off.
Notes: Nice old growth obliqua with some E.tenuiramus and E.pulchella (peppermints).Significant section next to Kermandie River/Falls/Hartz Track.0.7km rd.

Coupe: KD23E
Operations Expected: 2007
Location/Access: Head up Hermans Rd , 5kms south of Geevston on right past reservoir.Travel 6kms, Hermans 5 on right opposite quarry.4.8 kms to coupe.
Roading/Forestry Status: Logging now. Finished by December 2007.
Notes: Mature /o.g with celery and myrtle understory.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/kd023e.pdf

Coupe: KD1A
Operations Expected: 2007/2008
Location/Access: Travel down Arve Rd, first left after Geevston onto Oigles rd, first right onto Oigles 3. Road ext. comes straight off end of rd.Walking access staight off Bennett's rd 300m on left up from Arve rd junction.
Roading/Forestry Status: Roading planned possibly before new year or just after., roadline tagged.
Notes: The El Maestre block - seven FT recognised 'official'giants in block(see "the grieving giants, a fairy story"), and numerous almost giants. Beautiful tall regnans forest with rainforest understortand giant Dicksonia's. . Excellent tourism potential, only metres off Arve rd and some of the most beautiful forest in the Huon.CLF,30ha.

PICTON VALLEY

Coupe: PC13D
Operations Expected: 2007
Location/Access: 30kms up Arve Rd. Left onto Picton Rd. First left onto Picton Spur 4.Atend of Spur. Gate 1km up.Coupe 4kms up
Roading/Forestry Status: Cable logging now.
Notes: Previously unlogged wilderness on the western side of Arve Loop Hill.On the edge of a large threatened wilderness area. Previously part of the Hartz National Park.CLF, cable, 45 ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/pc013d.pdf

Coupe: PC 15B/Picton 4 ext
Operations Expected: 2007/2008
Location/Access: 30kms up Arve Rd. Left onto Picton Rd. First left onto Picton Spur 4.Atend of Spur. Gate 1km up.Rd starts 4kms up.
Roading/Forestry Status: Exploration track in, survey done.No FPP as yet.FT say not in next six months.
Notes: Roading beginning access to several thousadn hectares of wilderness.Contiguous with large pristine forest areas in Arve Loop reserve, Hartz NP, and Arve Valley. This area was previously in Hartz N.P. 3km rd.

Coupe: PC27A
Operations Expected: 2008/2009
Location/Access: Near end of Riveuax Rd( Riveaux 5)
Roading/Forestry Status: No plans.No signs of work observed.Road not used for some time.FT say could happen in next six months.
Notes: Unlogged wilderness forest under Mt Picton.Large karst system and potential cultural heritage in area.Adjacent to Huon River. Opposite BK1A.CLF, 35ha.1.4km rd.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/pc027a.pdf

Coupe: PC84G
Operations Expected: 2007/2008
Location/Access: 30kms up Arve Rd. Left onto Picton Rd. Over Picton bridge. Right up Riveaux Rd. Left up Pear Hill Rd.Gates on Riveuax Rd and start of Pear Hill.
Roading/Forestry Status: FPP done before Xmas.Work starting soon after?
Notes: Previously unlogged wilderness forest under Mt Picton.CLF.30ha
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/pc084g.pdf

Coupe: PC85A / West Picton short spurs and West Picton 21
Operations Expected: 2008/2009
Roading/Forestry Status: No plans.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/pc085a.pdf

RUSSELL

Coupe: RU1G
Operations Expected: 2008
Location/Access: Drive from Huonville along North Huon Rd. Right down Denison Rd, drive up Mcdougall's Rd/Russel Forest Drive - first right over bridge.
Roading/Forestry Status: Roading within FPP. Currently being evaluated, but no FPP as yet. Logging early 2008.
Notes: Spectacular Old Growth E.Regnans with Sassafras understorey.500 ha patch of remant o.g. surrounded by heavily trashed forest in the Russel and Little Denison. Adjacent to Little Denison River, obrastaciodes denisonii and eagle habitat. Incredible mountain views of Snowys and Mt Picton from top of block.Tagged walking tracks from end of middle spur.CLF, cable, 26ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ru001g.pdf

Coupe: RU1M
Operations Expected: 2008
Location/Access: Drive from Huonville along North Huon Rd. Left on Lonnavale Rd.Drive through Lonnavale, straight ahead onto Compton Rd at intersection.2kms up Compton Rd.Coupe at end.Alternative access to top of block from Russel Forest Drive - first right over L.Denison bridge.Alternative Rd access to Compton Rd from Barnback /Denison Rd intersection
Roading/Forestry Status: .Road finished 9/2007.Being evaluated, no FPP as yet.Logging early 2008.
Notes: Spectacular Old Growth E.Regnans with Sassafras understorey.500 ha patch of remant o.g. surrounded by heavily trashed forest in the Russel and Little Denison. Adjacent to Little Denison River, obrastaciodes denisonii abd eagle habitat. Incredible mountain views of Snowys and Mt Picton from top of block.Tagged walking tracks from end of middle spur.CLF, 25ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ru001m.pdf

Coupe: RU3B/ Russell 6 Ext.
Operations Expected: Not on current plan.
Roading/Forestry Status: Adjacent to Little Denison. Old growth In same block as RU1s .

Coupe: RU 17D.
Operations Expected: 2007
Location/Access: Off end of dolerite Rd.
Roading/Forestry Status: "Not on FT radar", however on plan for 2007.
Notes: Adjacent to a huge informal reserve, which itself back onto the Snowy Ranges in the WHA.CLF.13ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ru017d.pdf

Coupe: RU17F
Operations Expected: 2008
Notes: Adjacent to large area of pristine forest contiguous with the WHA.CLF.65ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/ru017f.pdf

Coupe: RU19C
Location/Access: Off Dolerite Road(Off Russell Loop)???
Roading/Forestry Status:
Notes: Adjacent to a large area of apparently unlogged forest.ARN,30ha.

Coupe: RU30B
Location/Access: Off Plenty Link Rd.

WELD VALLEY

Coupe: WR3B/South Weld Spur 15
Location/Access: South Weld Rd, on right before Fletchers Road turnoff.
Notes: Old obliqua forest.

Coupe: WR12C
Operations Expected: 2007/2008.
Location/Access: Warra Rd.
Roading/Forestry Status: Been comprehensively annihilated in a cable logging operation. Several sections to be done after autumn.
Notes: Old growth obliqua forest, horrific cable coupe that cab be seen from southwood and most of the Weld. 120+ha cable logged clearfell. A great example as to why cable logging of old growth should be banned. Also very close to WHA boundary.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/wr012c.pdf

Coupe: WR13B
Operations Expected: Not on current plan, however was on previous plan.
Location/Access: Fletchers Rd, on right hand side, just over the Weld Bridge.
Roading/Forestry Status: No plans.
Notes: Old obliqua forest adjacent to Weld River, adjacent to Glovers Plains.

Coupe: WR16A
Operations Expected: Not on current plan, however was on previous plan.
Location/Access: South Weld Spur 4. Take the left at the end of South Weld Rd, and the last left at the end of the spur.
Roading/Forestry Status: No plans.
Notes: Near the headwaters of Isabella Creek. Isabella Creek feeds Reubens Falls and flows from an alpine lake on Mt Weld. Very close to WHA and surrounded on three sides by a WHA – bordering informal reserve. ARN.20ha.
Map Links: http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/3yp/huon/wr016a.pdf

Coupe: WR19D
Operations Expected: Not on current plan, however was on previous plan.
Roading/Forestry Status: On previous three year plan there was a road opening up the wilderness block next to the WHA at the end of South Weld Road. It is not on the current plan.
Notes: Adjacent to WHA. Pristine Wilderness under Mt Weld.

Southern Tasmania's Grieving Giants

A Fairy Story

Image: El Maestre, Arve Valley, Southern Forests.

Roughly seven kilometres west of the forestry town of Geevston lives one of the most fortunate families in Tasmania. This family of gentle giants has managed to survive in close proximity to the centre of an industry with a voracious appetite for destruction for almost two centuries. Four giant trees, nicknamed the "Bennett's Family" (they share this name with a pioneering logging family, members of which continue to destroy old growth forest to this day), along with a host of their giant but unrecognised brethren, have been living peacefully for over 400 years. The head of the clan, El Maestre , the seventh most massive tree in Australia, has witnessed the coldblooded murder of several of his family with axes and crosscut saws, but now he must deal with an unprecedented threat - the industrial woodchip industry and it's evil, gap-toothed, multi-headed Angel Of Death, Forestry Tasmania.

There is a strange breed of men who trek for miles through the wild, unprotected tall eucalypt forests of Van Diemen's Land, searching for giants in distress. Three of these intrepid characters made contact with the Bennett's Family, and discovered a pre-cursor to destruction - the blood red tags of the Angel Of Death, signifying the construction of a logging road.

In another valley only a few kilometres away, another unique band of forest dwellers, an eclectic band of elves, spidermen and women, nymph-like creatures, pirates, and punks, had constructed an Ark in the forest. This Weld Ark ,designed to hold back the tide of progress from washing over yet another area of wild, magical, anceint forest , had recently been dismembered by the Angel Of Death, and it's machines were busy wiping out the lifeforce of the forest, while it's blue clad minions were fighting off the incensed and untiring Pirates of the Weld, forced to wander the hills after the destruction of their home. These Pirates heard the call of the Giants, and hastened to the Bennett's Family's aid, pledging to defend them, and bring news of their plight to the attention of the World.

These strange men and women attracted the attention of many local people and other forest dwellers from around Southern Tasmania, and sought to negotiate with the forces of darkness. The Angel Of Death had established an elaborate propaghanda project in the area of the Bennett's Family, which had the spin off effect of protecting some of the Bennett's cousins. The Angel rejected the cries of those who care for the forest, but it's evil plan for the Bennett's is being re-evaluated.

This fairy story, running from the time of Gondwana, is set to continue. The Forest Defender's are praying to the Earth for a happy ending.

Tasmania's Giants - Where Size Does Matter

El Grande - Killed by Forestry Tasmania. Was it Manslaughter? or Murder?

The hypocrisy of Forestry Tasmania (FT) is no where more inevidence than in it's policy regarding our "Giant" trees. FT has a non-binding policy of protecting those trees over 85 metres in height or 280 cubic metres in volume. This protection provides a 100 metre buffer around the tree. As renowned big tree hunter Wally Hermann notes -
"Nominal protection of individual giant trees in small (100-m radius) management decision classifcations zones, or stands of trees in reserves of a few hundred hectares surrounded by production forest, does nor provide effective protection in the long term. Numerous historic and recent examples in Tasmania and Victoria show the failures of these well-intentioned small-scale conservation efforts. Giant tree conservation requires very long-term preservation of large areas of forest in which the frequency of wildfire is very low;it is incompatible with current Tasmanian forest harvesting and regeneration practices".

The demarcation of a height limit is somewhat arbitrary - at the time of the formulation of FT's big trees policy, the ten tallest trees in the state were over 85m. Is a tree which stands at 84.99 metres any less valuable? Does a gnarly old growth tree which stands at 40 metres and provides habitat for innumearable creatures have less importance than one measured at 280 cubic metres. For that matter, does an old growth Musk, Myrtle, or Satinwood have less value? These trees are obviously amazing and unique, but we need to protect entire eco-systems to keep biodiversity and integrity intact.

World Rated Giants

The five tallest species of giants are listed below, with the largest known example listed (sourced from Wikipedia). Tasmania's floral emblem, the Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) is tentatively listed as the sixth tallest.

1. Coast Redwood Sequoia sempervirens: 115.55 m (379.1 ft.), Redwood National Park, California (Gymnosperm Database)

2. Coast Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii: 100.3 m (329.1 ft.), Brummit Creek, Coos County, Oregon (Gymnosperm Database)

3. Australian Mountain-ash Eucalyptus regnans: 97.0 m (318.2 ft.), Styx Valley, Tasmania ( Tasmanian Giant Trees)

4. Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis: 96.7 m (317.3 ft.), Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California (Gymnosperm Database )

5. Giant Sequoia Sequoiadendron giganteum: 94.9 m (307.1 ft.), Redwood Mountain Grove, Kings Canyon National Park, California (Gymnosperm Database)

The Tasmanian experience with tall trees is by no means isolated, with a similiar situation regarding inadequate buffer zones existing in the California's Forest Service.

Beyond the Airwalk

Tall Forests, Wild Rivers, Ancient Landscape