Call to Halt Logging in Glenbog State Forest
A former New South Wales Labor environment minister has urged the current government to cease impending logging activities in a forest on the state’s south coast. This request comes in light of findings from citizen scientists who reported identifying 102 trees in Glenbog State Forest, believed to be habitats for endangered greater gliders.
Bob Debus, who served as environment minister during the Carr and Iemma governments, criticized the New South Wales Forestry Corporation (NSWFC) for frequently violating its regulations, suggesting that such breaches have become a standard practice within the agency. “Forestry Corp is in breach of its own regulations so frequently that the practice is effectively part of its business model,” Debus stated.
Legal Concerns and Allegations
The NSWFC faced criticism from a former magistrate last year who likened the agency to a “criminal organisation,” following a string of convictions for rule violations. While the NSWFC dismissed these allegations as absurd, the accusations point to a growing concern about the agency’s operational integrity.
Wilderness Australia, an environmental advocacy group, reported detecting the 102 “den trees” during recent surveys. These trees are crucial for the survival of greater gliders, which rely on hollows in trees for nesting and shelter. The forest is scheduled for logging in the coming weeks, raising questions about environmental compliance and the sustainability of such practices.
According to state regulations, logging is prohibited within 50 metres of known den trees. The NSWFC’s own surveys indicated only four den trees in the immediate area, a stark contrast to the citizen scientists’ findings. If the results of these volunteer-led surveys prove accurate, it may challenge the legality and justification for upcoming logging activities.
Ecological Implications
Andrew Wong, operations manager at Wilderness Australia, warned that proceeding with forestry operations without properly accounting for the ecological significance of the area could be tantamount to “ecological fraud.” He criticized the NSWFC for conducting assessments that he claims downplay the actual presence of gliders in the region.
“Glenbog is a biodiversity stronghold that should never be logged,” Wong emphasized, highlighting the unique microclimate of the area that supports a variety of threatened species, including greater gliders. The forest’s characteristics make it less susceptible to extreme weather, thereby nurturing its ecological richness.
To verify their observations, Wong and his team of volunteers used thermal cameras and spotlights to document greater glider sightings. They reported their findings through a specialized app that geolocated each sighting, contributing valuable data to the state’s biodiversity database, BioNet.
Recent Changes in Survey Practices
Following a court ruling indicating that daytime surveys were inadequate for assessing nocturnal species, the Forestry Corporation shifted its surveying strategy to conduct assessments during dusk and night. Nevertheless, Wong argues that many surveys still occur outside the critical times when greater gliders emerge, raising concerns about the thoroughness and effectiveness of the corporation’s methodologies.
Amid growing tensions, Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, responsible for forestry in the region, stated her expectation that the Forestry Corporation adheres to the guidelines established by the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals. “This provides very specific instructions on searching for greater glider dens,” she said, maintaining that the corporation has robust procedures to follow these regulations.
Community Sentiment and Wildlife Protection
The Glenbog area is also known to be home to numerous wombats, including many rehabilitated and released by a neighboring wildlife sanctuary. Marie Wynan, founder of the sanctuary, expressed concern for the wombats, noting that 666 burrows have been identified in the logging zone and emphasizing the need for careful management to prevent the accidental destruction of these habitats.
“They don’t deserve to be buried alive,” Wynan stated, reflecting on an incident from 2014, when logging operations led to the destruction of wombat burrows.
The NSWFC has reportedly engaged with the wildlife sanctuary, assuring that measures are in place to avoid damaging the burrows during logging. However, the debate continues regarding the balance between economic interests and environmental conservation in New South Wales. For additional insights on forestry practices in the region, you can read more from The Guardian.
