Dismissing the myths of forest regeneration

“Recent claims by anti-forestry activists serve only to confuse the public and demonise the science behind responsible forest management,” said Bob Gordon, Managing Director of Forestry Tasmania.


“The public deserves facts about forest management, based on science, not opportunistic media relations and spin. To suggest that forests be regenerated without fire, is irresponsible and lacks understanding of natural processes.

“Fire is a natural and necessary part of the Tasmanian landscape – it has always been here. The fact of the matter is that the forest would regularly burn and regrow long before humans settled in Tasmania.

The ecosystem of Tasmania evolved from fire and forest managers are now mimicking that process to stimulate regeneration. When factoring in the wood that is removed from the forest for human use, the reality is that there is less greenhouse gas being released that there would be if humans didn’t manage the forest.

“Fires create ash, which supports the germination of seed and growth of new eucalypt trees. By igniting the fire, we can control when and where it burns. This is the safe and responsible option. The safest time for this burning is in the autumn, when weather conditions are stable and surrounding areas of forest are damp.

As a land manager, Forestry Tasmania has a responsibility to ensure that state forests are there for future generations. Our management plan will see Tasmania’s forests grow over the next 90 years.

“FT has commissioned a study on forest carbon that factors in regeneration burns on state forest. This study shows that on average Tasmania’s forests are absorbing 720,000 tonnes of carbon each year for the next 43 years. That’s equivalent to absorbing 24% of the entire state’s annual carbon emissions.

“Tasmania’s state forest will absorb 31 million tonnes more atmospheric carbon than it will release, making Tasmania’s state forests a net sink of carbon over the next 43 years.

“Unfortunately, anti-forestry organisations regularly put out statements with little or no knowledge of forest science. The facts often get in the way.


David Tuck, Corporate Relations 6233 8249
ENDS
21 April, 2008