In the heart of the Northern Tablelands lies the majestic Styx River State Forest, a haven of biodiversity and natural splendor. Yet, this pristine wilderness is under threat from the relentless advance of logging activities. The North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) has sounded the alarm, urging the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to take swift action to safeguard this vital ecosystem.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. NEFA, joined by a coalition of conservation groups, has called for an immediate Stop Work Order for logging in Styx River State Forest, as well as seven other State Forests in the region. Their plea is rooted in the need for comprehensive surveys, including crucial twilight surveys, to properly assess the impact of logging on the forest’s delicate balance.
“The Forestry Corporation is refusing to comply with their legal obligations to identify and protect 50 metres around the dens of Southern Greater Gliders. A recent review of the Forestry Corporation’s data shows they have done 28 searches since February in Styx River State Forest and seen 93 greater gliders, but only one den tree. In contravention of the new rules 25 of their surveys were undertaken late at night after the Greater Gliders had already left their dens” said NEFA spokesperson Susie Russell.
This isn’t the first time concerns have been raised about Styx River State Forest. NEFA initially raised red flags on December 2nd, 2023, when they discovered three den trees inhabited by Greater Gliders. These remarkable creatures, crucial to the forest’s ecosystem, had been overlooked by the Forestry Corporation’s daytime surveys.
Subsequent efforts by citizen scientists uncovered an additional eleven den trees, further highlighting the urgent need for action. Despite mounting evidence, the EPA has thus far failed to halt logging activities until thorough surveys are completed.
In a questionable compromise, the EPA amended logging regulations in February to allow the Forestry Corporation to conduct limited nocturnal surveys. They amended logging regulations to allow the Forestry Corporation to conduct these nighttime surveys covering only 5-10% of the logging area. However, these surveys must commence within an hour after sunset to enhance the chances of spotting gliders leaving their dens for the night.
The implications of this decision are profound. By permitting logging to continue without thorough assessments, vital habitats and species are at risk of irreparable harm. The Greater Glider, a species of significant conservation concern, relies on these forests for survival.
“The EPA has previously issued SWOs to the Forestry Corporation when unlawful logging has occurred, and they must do the same with these breaches. If the Forestry Corporation is allowed to unlawfully log, it will further embolden this rogue state owned corporation,” Greens MP Sue Higginson said.
Reports reveal a staggering 78% of pre-logging surveys conducted by the NSW Forestry Corporation are non-compliant with their designated conditions. This concerning revelation extends across 27 active logging sites spanning nine State Forests.
In response to these unlawful logging operations, nine organizations, including the National Parks Association, World Wide Fund for Nature, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, and South East Forest Rescue, have brought the matter to the attention of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
“Incredibly, seeing a Greater Glider gives it no protection whatsoever. Only when a glider is seen leaving its den/hollow does that trigger a 50 metre radius exclusion zone. That protection is grossly inadequate, but Forestry Corporation aren’t even prepared to risk having to implement that miserly protection measure. Instead they look for gliders leaving the dens, when they are all well and truly out and about. It’s really not much better than looking for them during the day which is what they did previously” Ms Russell said.
“The timing is important. Greater Gliders are nocturnal, they shelter in their dens during the day, come out just after sunset, and then return before dawn. The survey of such a small part of the logging area means most dens will still not be seen, but if the rules are complied with at least a few will,” Ms Russell said.
“Citizen scientists who were out in the forest last week found 9 Greater Glider den trees. The area is clearly of great importance for the survival of this endangered animal, and its protection should not be left in the hand of incompetents or those with an interest to look away” Ms Russell said.
The fate of Styx River State Forest hangs in the balance. Failure to act swiftly could result in irreversible damage to this irreplaceable natural treasure. It’s time for the EPA to prioritize environmental preservation over short-term economic gains and issue an immediate Stop Work Order for Styx River State Forest.
“It is absolutely clear that native forest logging is destroying habitat for threatened species, and that the meagre protections that do exist are not being followed. Unlawful logging should be stopped immediately and the end to native forest logging in NSW must begin immediately,” Ms Higginson said.
The preservation of our natural heritage is a responsibility we all share. Let’s stand together to protect Styx River State Forest and ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at its beauty and biodiversity. Stay tuned for updates as this critical situation unfolds.
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