Forestry Tasmania admits killing Australia's largest known living thing

MEDIA RELEASE    
9 December 2003

Forestry Tasmania's admission that it killed Australia's largest known living thing has highlighted the need for a national park in the Styx Valley, according to the Wilderness Society.

"We can't afford to take any more risks with the future of these giants — the tallest and largest hardwood trees on Earth," said Wilderness Society Tasmanian Campaigner Geoff Law. "The promise of tightened procedures is under-whelming given Forestry Tasmania's record."

"The Bacon Government should step in and remove management of the Styx Valley from Forestry Tasmania and declare a Valley of the Giants National Park."

The Styx Valley is the site of the Global Rescue Station, a 65-metre-high treetop protest established by Greenpeace and the Wilderness Society nearly a month ago in an 84-metre-tall giant known as Gandalf's Staff. Up to six campaigners are ensconced in the treetop at any one time.

"The death of Australia's biggest living thing will reverberate around the world, undermining Tasmania's image as a clean, green, pristine destination. Forestry Tasmania's atrocious management killed El Grande and has legitimised the need for the Global Rescue Station."

El Grande was measured by Forestry Tasmania at 439 cubic metres and 79 metres tall and listed on its website. (Note that it is still listed at the top of the list — but without its name)

Further information: 

Geoff Law: (03) 6224 1550, 0409 944891.