Salvage logging in Victoria's Central Highlands

As if the bushfires of February 2009 weren’t tragic enough for people, wildlife and habitat, soon afterwards the Brumby Government gave the green light to a huge salvage logging operation in forests burnt by the Black Saturday fires.

In most cases, salvage logging has a more devastating impact on nature than the bushfires themselves. Scientists agree that while in their most fragile state after fire, forests must be left alone to recover. There is also strong scientific evidence that old-growth forests are more resilient to wildfire than young, post logging regrowth forests. Old-growth forest is generally characterised with a dense shady canopy over a damp, lush and fire resistant understory. By comparison, regrowth forests are dry and burn easily.

The Wilderness Society is alarmed that salvage logging operations are removing evidence at the scene before the Royal Commission can do its job.

Look out for the Wilderness Society’s submission to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission at www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au

Write to your local member asking whether they support the salvage logging operations in bushfire affected areas. Make sure they know ‘salvage logging’ has a huge ecological and climate impact we just can’t afford.