Logging under fire

By Kath Gannaway
TOWNSHIPS in the Yarra Valley are being made more susceptible to catastrophic fires because of logging, according to Central Highlands environment group My Environment.
My Environment executive director Sarah Rees made the claims last week following the presentation of scientific reports at the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission stating that clearfell logging can make forests more prone to fire.
The group is calling for a moratorium on logging to test the scientific theories put forward but DSE says the scientific community is divided on the issue.
Dr Ross Bradstock, a visiting fellow from Wollongong University, cited research done by Professor David Lindenmayer as evidence that regrowth forests from clearfell logging were a greater fire hazard than unlogged forests.
The research was contained in a paper released recently by Dr Lindenmayer, which relates in particular to wet forests and rainforests in terms of the impact of logging and other related disturbances.
“Logging can change forests in at least five interrelated ways that could influence wildfire frequency, extend and/or severity,” Dr Lindenmayer said.
He went on to say that logging changed the microclimates of wet forests such as those in the ash forests of Central Highlands, resulting in canopy openings that ultimately increased drying of the under-storey vegetation and the forest floor.
Dr Lindenmayer’s research also shows that clearfelling in moist forests leads to a greater density of regrowth saplings, adding to the fuel load and makes them more flammable than older forests.
It also says that large quantities of vegetation left by harvesting operations can sustain fires for longer than can fuel in unlogged forest, and that road networks required for logging operations create an increased number of ignition points for fires.
Dr Bradstock said that more research was needed to clarify the role logging played in elevating wildfire risk on public lands.
Ms Rees supports that proposition, but is calling for a stop to logging while that research is tested.
“Now that the government has heard the experts we expect a moratorium as part of the Sustainable Logging Act to allow for tests to prove or disprove these scientists’ theories,” she said.
She said to continue current logging practices untested was knowingly committing rural towns to a dangerous, non-viable future.
DSE senior media adviser Nick Talbot said the management of Victoria’s forests was about achieving balance and that fire risk was part of that management.
He said the principles of sustainable forest management required a balance between environmental, social and economic values.
“DSE engages Professor Lindenmayer and other scientists to undertake research to inform continuous improvement in the sustainable forest management,” he said.
“The differing views contained in the cited report indicate that the scientific community is still divided on the issue.
“The fire agencies work with the timber industry to ensure fire risk is managed effectively.”