❓ Question regarding the Forest Products Commission's practices of clear-felling and gap creation, the fate of mature marri trees, and the protection of habitat for red-tailed black cockatoos. The Minister acknowledges the importance of marri trees for habitat and expresses interest in finding a better balance.
AnsweredQoN 282Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to mature marri trees, some of which the draft forest management plan proposes to fell to waste because the Japanese will no longer buy marri chip logs. (1) Does the Forest Products Commission still practise - (a) clear-felling in two-tiered karri-marri forest; and (b) gap creation in jarrah-marri forest? (2) If so, what does the Forest Products Commission do with the mature marri trees? (3) If not, will the mature marri trees be left as habitat trees; and, if so, for how long? (4) What management practices has the Forest Products Commission adopted in recognition of the importance of mature marri trees as providers of the big hollows essential for the survival of the red-tailed black cockatoo, which, of the 26 species of hollow-dependent forest fauna found, requires the largest hollows? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(1) Does the Forest Products Commission still practise - (a) clear-felling in two-tiered karri-marri forest; and (b) gap creation in jarrah-marri forest? (2) If so, what does the Forest Products Commission do with the mature marri trees? (3) If not, will the mature marri trees be left as habitat trees; and, if so, for how long? (4) What management practices has the Forest Products Commission adopted in recognition of the importance of mature marri trees as providers of the big hollows essential for the survival of the red-tailed black cockatoo, which, of the 26 species of hollow-dependent forest fauna found, requires the largest hollows? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(b) gap creation in jarrah-marri forest?
(3) If not, will the mature marri trees be left as habitat trees; and, if so, for how long? (4) What management practices has the Forest Products Commission adopted in recognition of the importance of mature marri trees as providers of the big hollows essential for the survival of the red-tailed black cockatoo, which, of the 26 species of hollow-dependent forest fauna found, requires the largest hollows? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(4) What management practices has the Forest Products Commission adopted in recognition of the importance of mature marri trees as providers of the big hollows essential for the survival of the red-tailed black cockatoo, which, of the 26 species of hollow-dependent forest fauna found, requires the largest hollows? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(1) Does the Forest Products Commission still practise - (a) clear-felling in two-tiered karri-marri forest; and (b) gap creation in jarrah-marri forest? (2) If so, what does the Forest Products Commission do with the mature marri trees? (3) If not, will the mature marri trees be left as habitat trees; and, if so, for how long? (4) What management practices has the Forest Products Commission adopted in recognition of the importance of mature marri trees as providers of the big hollows essential for the survival of the red-tailed black cockatoo, which, of the 26 species of hollow-dependent forest fauna found, requires the largest hollows? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(b) gap creation in jarrah-marri forest?
(3) If not, will the mature marri trees be left as habitat trees; and, if so, for how long? (4) What management practices has the Forest Products Commission adopted in recognition of the importance of mature marri trees as providers of the big hollows essential for the survival of the red-tailed black cockatoo, which, of the 26 species of hollow-dependent forest fauna found, requires the largest hollows? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(4) What management practices has the Forest Products Commission adopted in recognition of the importance of mature marri trees as providers of the big hollows essential for the survival of the red-tailed black cockatoo, which, of the 26 species of hollow-dependent forest fauna found, requires the largest hollows? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
I thank Hon Chrissy Sharp for some notice of the question. I think the answer is reasonably adequate given the short notice. However, we may be able to provide the member with more information on the scientific detail if she requests it and if she requires further backup to this answer. (1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(1)-(3) Clear-felling and gap creation remain important silvicultural methods to achieve regeneration of the south west eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Removal of a proportion of marri trees is an integral part of the regeneration process, and the over-retention of marri trees can reduce both the level of regeneration and the health of the regenerating forest. Habitat is provided through the extensive reserve system being created under the Government’s protecting our old-growth forests policy, as well as through the retention of habitat trees and a comprehensive network of exclusion areas as outlined in the relevant forest management plans. (4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
(4) The question about the species of hollow-dependent forest fauna that requires the largest hollows should be placed on notice and redirected to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Department of Conservation and Land Management’s response. I indicated that we may be able to provide more information on this issue, because it is one in which I have taken considerable interest. I would like to see how this balance could be adjusted to retain more of the marris containing the biggest hollows. What I have found out only recently, but what is obvious to many people in this Chamber, is that the habitat trees in the forest tend to be marri rather than jarrah. Marri provides much better hollow formation than jarrah. I would be interested in learning a little more, so perhaps the member and I could have a briefing on the issue.
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