My first is in response to this: http://tasmaniantimes.com/index.php?/weblog/article/worlds-best-practises-the-great-ft-oxymoron/
Firstly, does Ted Mead actually exist? Is it his real name? He is pretty hard to find, except on the TT grizzler's parade...
It is obvious to me he doesn't know what he is talking about, he just knows what he doesn't like, and purely by visual appearance. It appears to me he has never done any real research on forest ecology, or on any of the history of the development of the CBS (Clear-fell Burn & Sow) methodology, or the scientific research that underpins it, and nor has he looked closely at any of the regeneration since.
I wonder how many others realize that the Tall Trees reserve in the Styx was the site of a major fire (maybe lightning strike or indigenous activity) about 400 to 450 years ago. The perfect regeneration conditions occurred from what must have been a hot one.
If any of you nut-jobs can be bothered, there is comprehensive information here: http://cdn.forestrytasmania.com.au/uploads/File/pdf/technical_bulletins/tb5_silv_systems.pdf
What you should realize is that if the forest site is approved, (ie part of the Permanent Timber Production Zone, as agreed by ENGO signatories... remember them? Or are you trying to move the goal posts, yet again?), and it has been examined for the presence of eagle's nests or threatened species, and the coupe has been properly designed and approved in accordance with the Forest Practices Code, then harvesting can occur in the manner prescribed, which includes a regeneration plan, and the forest can grow and mature in splendid diversity for the decades until the next rotation. Trees will continue to sequester carbon out of the atmosphere, and be able to contribute to off-site carbon store in the form of durable products, such as houses, furniture, or even books... (paper!) Meanwhile, new trees are growing in their place, and people have jobs as a result.
Remember how the EDO (Environment Defenders Office) started using a banner image of a still smouldering regeneration burn on their web page? It is still there, even though the forest is now in full flourish with dense and bio-diverse understorey, and thriving birdlife and other fauna... The coupe was in the Picton, designated 039A.... check out the images, some are from 2009, one from 2012... The features on the tree on the eastern side of the road are visible in the 1989 image and the more recent images... Suck it up, nut-jobs....
2009
2012
Ted Mead should realize that FSC is a certification system, and if you meet the system requirements, you will be able to sell timber under that certification system. FSC is not that much different from PEFC, which internationally certifies twice as much forest as FSC, and Forestry Tasmania has been certified under that since 2006. It is FSC that is taking its time, and they have their hand out for a huge SUBSIDY from the Australian taxpayer. I reckon as soon as FT has FSC, the grizzlers will be saying FSC is no good... Sure, importers in other countries want FSC, because they have been intimidated by a conga line of grizzling bitches from dubious outfits like Markets for Change, who engage in activities that would get you thrown in jail if you tried it inside the country. They caused companies like Ta Ann Tasmania to lose a flooring contract for playing courts for the London Olympics and with other customers, and Tasmanian workers lost their jobs. What selfish bloody heroes! Meanwhile, virtually no one in any retail store in Australia ever asks if the timber they are selling is certified, let alone FSC...
Up yours, Ted....
