Logging program will destroy more giant trees and undermine tourism potential of Tasmania's Styx Valley

Hot on the heels of the regeneration fire which led to the demise of El Grande, Australia's largest tree, The Wilderness Society is calling for a suspension of logging in the Styx Valley.

Forestry Tasmania's program of logging in the Styx Valley will destroy more than 20 giant trees, severely compromise the integrity of the proposed Valley of the Giants National Park, and undermine the tourism potential of the valley.

The Wilderness Society has called for a moratorium on logging in the proposed National Park, warning that more 'El Grande' debacles are imminent. "The trees within these areas may not meet the criteria for Forestry Tasmania's protection, but the bar is set high. In anyone else's language these trees are massive, and in any other place, would be revealed to tourists and revered" said Society spokesperson Mike Noble.

Twenty-four giant trees in these threatened areas have been located, measured and, in some cases, named by qualified Wilderness Society volunteers and other enthusiasts.

"Australia's epicentre of tall trees is being ruthlessly targeted for destruction," according to Wilderness Society spokesperson Mike Noble. "This will destroy the ecological fabric of the Styx Valley and with it, the hope of future tourism potential."

"The coupe SX15A is the perfect example" said Mr Noble. "It is a 60ha coupe currently being cable logged. It contains trees up to 80m tall, is in the proximity of a Wedge-tailed Eagles nest, is adjacent to existing popular tourist sites and borders the World Heritage area."

Wally Herrmann, University of Tasmania researcher and passionate tall tree observer, said "Our giant trees should be national treasures, subjects of our reverence and pride, to be conserved as magnificent remnants of wild forests. They should not become blackened spars or rotting stumps that evoke only grim and shameful memories of our greed and negligence."

Mr Herrmann is concerned that even those trees that do fit Forestry Tasmania's criteria for protection are not adequately protected.

There are, by Forestry Tasmania's definitions, thirty-one currently known giant trees in Tasmania: twenty-four greater than 85 metres tall and seven of greater than 280 m3 volume. Most of them are not adequately protected. For example, in the Styx Valley eighteen of the known giants (i.e. 58% of total) stand within one kilometre of coupes planned for clear felling in the next two years. Twelve of them (39%) are in the Andromeda stand. One out-of-control regeneration burn next summer could wipe out the greater part of the giant tree population. The only way to ensure their conservation is to establish large wilderness forest reserves around the giant trees. Small "postage-stamp" reserves of a few hectares within production forests are too vulnerable, especially to fire, wind and pest invasion. "Forestry Tasmania's policy is to protect giant trees and promote a tourism strategy for their appreciation. El Grande's experience shows that to be a hollow promise" Mr Herrmann said.

Following are statements of support from community leaders associations and tour operators.

Tyenna Tourism Association "The TTA recognises that TWS has played no small part in the promotion of the Styx Valley, which has become a significant tourism asset for the region. Following the apparent demise of the forest giant El Grande, the TTA has grave concerns about practices which may undermine tourism values, and the State's clean green image." Motion passed by the Tyenna Tourism Association (14/5/03)

Gerard Castles "These trees, and others like them across Tasmania are brand icons. They evoke the wild, clean and different idea that lies at the heart of the fledgling Tasmanian brand…Their destruction is an act of brand vandalism that sends a signal to the rest of Australia and across the world that Tasmania is wilfully destroying the very things that lie at the heart of what makes it different…Each time a giant tree is felled or burned it does terrible damage to the Tasmanian brand - nationally and internationally…It is unacceptable that Evan Rolley oversees this wanton destruction and at the same time sits on the Board of Brand Tasmania, he must be sacked from the Board now." Gerard Castles, Business Consultant

Joan Masterman "Tasmania with its giant hardwood trees intact is unique in the world. The Styx River Forests are majestic and should be preserved for future generations." Joan Masterman, Tourism Operator Freycinet Experience

Further Information: Mike Noble 0427 057 643