In a new scientific paper, we looked carefully at the body of evidence on the natural pre-invasion state of Australian forests, such as those dominated by majestic mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans), the world’s tallest flowering plant. We analysed historical documents, First Nations Peoples’ recorded testimonies and the scientific evidence.
One of those is the iconic Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) community in Victoria’s Central Highlands. Many of us know and love these regal trees, the tallest flowering plant in the world. But decades of logging, repeated wildfires, and fragmentation of these forests means they and the species which rely on them like Leadbeater’s possum and gliders now face existential threats.
Melbourne s drinking water and catchment areas put at risk by âsystemic illegal logging on steep slopes, experts say
By national science, technology and environment reporter Michael Slezak
Posted 2
AprApril 2021 at 8:03pm
Experts say logging on slopes of more than 30 degrees can harm drinking water quality in some areas.
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Victoria s state-owned logging company VicForests has put Melbourne s drinking supply at risk by illegally logging on steep slopes in an important water catchment area, according to the government regulator.
Key points:
Logging on slopes steeper than 30 degrees is banned in some areas protected for drinking water supply
The Victorian government s conservation regulator found the government-run VicForests breached this law at two locations