Mistake State Forest is a habitat for many endangered species, including the Greater Glider and the iconic Koala, making its preservation critical for biodiversity conservation.
Mistake State Forest, near Coffs Harbour on the Mid-North Coast, New South Wales, is characterized by its dense tree canopy and vibrant undergrowth, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
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Logging this state forest is a mistake, says protesters
Premier Chris Minns has once again ignited controversy by sending bulldozers into the Mistake State Forest, part of his proposed Great Koala National Park, to convert a significant portion into woodchips.
Locals, who have been fighting to save the forest since the 1990s, believe the logging is illegal due to the lack of required surveys for endangered wildlife.
Susie Russell, Vice President of the North Coast Environment Council, announced that she and other community members will block the road to the logging area on Monday, following a large community meeting on Sunday.
They are acting out of desperation due to the government’s refusal to regulate the taxpayer-owned logging agency, which they describe as law-breaking and loss-making.
“I’m here defending law and order, and Premier Minns should defend law and order too,” said Ms. Russell.
She emphasized that taxpayer-owned corporations should not be allowed to break the law, highlighting that native forest logging costs the state millions annually and most of the timber ends up as woodchips.
She pointed out that 90% of timber already comes from plantation forests, which have been used to make house frames for decades.
Russell criticized the logging rates in the Great Koala National Park, which she claimed are three times higher than in other areas, and warned that this broken promise will tarnish Premier Minns’ legacy.
“The so-called Great Koala National Park is being looted,” she stated, explaining that the operation targets the oldest trees, which are crucial for the habitats of various wildlife species.
“It’s time Premier Minns showed some integrity, kept his Great Koala National Park promise to the people of NSW, and had the law-breaking native forest logging cowboys face the full force of the law,” Russell concluded.
1 July 2024 – Forest activists confront loggers in the Mistake Forest and tempers flare. Activists claim NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe is deliberately dragging the chain on establishing the Great Koala National Park to allow the logging industry to get the maximum amount of timber out of the designated area, many of them the last of the Big Trees in NSW State forests, so vital for the endangered Greater Glider with their hollows.
History of Logging in Mistake State Forest
Logging activities in Mistake State Forest date back many decades. Initially, these operations were conducted with minimal oversight, driven by the demand for timber.
As time passed, the ecological impacts of logging became increasingly evident. Trees were felled at an unsustainable rate, leading to habitat destruction and a decline in wildlife populations.
Despite growing concerns, logging continued, often justified by the economic benefits it brought to the region.
Rise of Logging Protests
The unsustainable logging practices did not go unchallenged. Environmental activists, local communities, and concerned citizens began to rally against the destruction of Mistake State Forest.
Protests and demonstrations became a common sight, with passionate individuals and groups voicing their opposition.
These movements highlighted the importance of the forest, not just as a timber resource, but as a vital ecosystem that needed protection.
Over the years, the protests gained momentum, drawing attention from national and international media, and putting pressure on policymakers to reconsider their stance on logging in the area. A history of the logging protests in the area since 1981 is here.
Follow the Save Mistake State Forest facebook group for their latest information
Forestry Corp ordered a Partial closure of Mistake State Forest between 16 Feb 2024 – 1 Jan 2025 to carry out logging. Their pdf download Closure Map on that page states: “Legal Conditions: Native Forest Harvesting under the LNE IFOA. Survey expiry date for this plan is 15 May 2019.”
The Case Against Logging Native Timber Forests
Logging in Mistake State Forest poses several significant threats:
Habitat Destruction: The forest is home to numerous endangered species. Logging disrupts their natural habitat, pushing them closer to extinction. The Greater Glider and Koalas are particularly vulnerable, relying on the dense forest for shelter and food.
Ecosystem Disruption: Forest ecosystems are intricate networks of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Logging disrupts these networks, leading to imbalances that can have far-reaching consequences, including increased soil erosion and water quality degradation.
Great Koala National Park: Mistake State Forest should be safeguarded as part of the Great Koala National Park. Machines are currently targeting the mature trees, which, if left undisturbed, would serve as homes for gliders and owls.
Unstable Soil: The forest rests on highly unstable soils that, when disturbed, are prone to erosion during intense rainfall events. Additionally, it is a habitat for many threatened and endangered species, further emphasizing the need for its protection.
Climate Change: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Logging reduces this capacity, contributing to higher carbon levels and exacerbating climate change.
Alternatives to Logging: Plantation Timber
The argument for preserving Mistake State Forest and other native forests is strengthened by the availability of sustainable alternatives such as plantation timber.
Plantation forests are specifically cultivated for timber production, allowing for a sustainable supply without the need to deplete native forests. These plantations can be managed to meet timber demands while preserving natural habitats and biodiversity.
Why We Should Not Log State Forests
Biodiversity Conservation: Native forests like Mistake State Forest are irreplaceable habitats for countless species. Logging these forests leads to irreversible loss of biodiversity.
Ecosystem Services: State forests provide essential ecosystem services, including water filtration, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration. Logging compromises these services, impacting both the environment and human communities.
Sustainable Future: By shifting to plantation timber and other sustainable practices, we can ensure a continuous supply of timber without sacrificing our natural heritage. This approach supports both economic and environmental sustainability.
Mistake State Forest is more than just a collection of trees; it is a vital ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and provides essential environmental services.
The history of logging and the protests against it underscore the importance of preserving this natural treasure. By embracing sustainable alternatives like plantation timber, we can protect our native forests and ensure they continue to thrive for future generations.
It is our responsibility to advocate for and implement practices that balance economic needs with ecological preservation.
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