We are concerned that the critically endangered Slender Tree-ferns in our crown land plantations are under threat from the harvest currently taking place by Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP).
Stuart and Chris collecting a fertile frond for identification
Slender Tree-ferns (Cyathea cunninghamii) are critically endangered. This means they are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.
We have recorded a significant population of Slender Tree-ferns here (around 100) and recorded them close to creeks in the plantation. Research estimates there are only about 1000 of them left in Victoria...we are pleased that we can now add another 100 to the list with this new population.
They are slow growing and it is thought that they need to be at least 7m tall and over 25 years old before they are mature enough to produce spores.
Slender Tree-ferns are thin and tall...they can be only 10cm wide but up to 20m high. They are found close to smaller creeks in steep gullies, as they require wet conditions and need protection from strong wind. They are found in rainforest areas with stable banks.
Young Slender treefern near the creek
Harvesting close to Slender Tree-ferns leaves them exposed to damaging winds. When Slender treeferns are exposed without the shelter of surrounding forest they are at risk.
Slender treeferns need protection from damaging winds, fire and floods. These are all expected to increase in frequency with rising temperature caused by climate change.
Slender Tree-ferns are sensitive to fire. Plantation close to them increases the fire risk. Plantation pines increase the fire risk more than native forest. Forestry operations also burn after harvest which increases the fire risk.
Slender Tree-ferns require wet soil conditions, which is why they are found close to creeks. Pine plantation close to them is likely to reduce the amount of water in the soil as pine plantations use a large quantity of water.
Harvesting close to Slender Tree-ferns and planting pines will also allow for weeds to enter and compete with new younger Slender Tree-ferns making their survival more difficult.
Adequate buffer zones are the solution to protecting Slender Tree-ferns but we don't think HVP are doing enough and are putting our critically endangered Slenders at risk.
Member of the Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group surveying Slender Tree-ferns
We are concerned that HVP are not leaving adequate protection buffers in riparian areas of the HVP plantation, Turtons creek. Harvest is currently underway.
Slender Tree-ferns are a listed species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and have current species-specific prescriptions in the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 (as amended in 2022):
"– In the Gippsland and East Gippsland Forest Management Areas (FMAs): Apply a management area of 200 m radius over populations. Conduct a site inspection and detailed planning in consultation with the Department to ensure the species is adequately protected during timber harvesting operations”.
HVP advised us they are leaving only 5m buffers to some of the creek areas and only 20m in other area. This is insufficient according to the prescription and not enough to provide the surrounding ecological conditions the Slender Tree-ferns need to survive and recover.
We want the South Gippsland Shire Council and DEECA (the responsible authorities) to ensure they are protected.
We have requested that council ask HVP to put an immediate buffer of 200m around all Slender Tree-ferns until an independent survey has been done and a detailed plan has been made in conjunction with DEECA rainforest experts to ensure their protection.
We contacted the office of the Conservation Regulator and were told
"Any enquires relating to HVP harvesting are best sought directly with HVP."
So who is responsible for ensuring our critically endangered species are protected?
We have written to the Environment minister Steve Dimopoulos asking for clarification on who is responsible for making sure HVP complies with the FFG Act.
Email: slenders@tarwinriverforest.com.au
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/slendertreefernalliance/
Contacts for local representatives:
Councillor Clare Williams (current Mayor): Cr.clare.williams@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Councillor Adrian Darakai: Cr.adrian.darakai@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Councillor Sarah Gilligan
Cr.sarah.gilligan@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Councillor Jenni Keerie
Cr.jenni.keerie@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Councillor Mohya Davies
Cr.mohya.davies@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Councillor Scott Rae
Cr.scott.rae@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Councillor Mick Felton
Cr.mick.felton@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Councillor Nathan Hersey
Cr.nathan.hersey@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Councillor John Schelling
Cr.john.schelling@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Tom McIntosh MLA Eastern Victoria
Tom.mcintosh@parliament.vic.gov.au
Danny O’Brien (State MP): danny.obrien@parliament.vic.gov.au
Russel Broadbent (federal MP): Russell.Broadbent.MP@aph.gov.au
References:
1. https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/flora-and-fauna-guarantee-act-1988/048
2. Action Statement Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act 1988: Slender Tree-fern (Cyathea cunninghamii) Taxon ID: 500896
3. VARIATION OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR TIMBER PRODUCTION 2014
But biodiversity doesn’t think in postcodes, so this is an important issue regardless of where you live!
Steve Dimopolous, Victorian Minister for Environment: steve.dimopoulos@parliament.vic.gov.au
Ellen Sandell Greens Spokesperson for Biodiversity, Environment and Forests: ellen.sandell@parliament.vic.gov.au
Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for Environment and Water: Minister.Plibersek@dcceew.gov.au
Your local State MP: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/member-search/
Your local Federal MP: https://www.aph.gov.au/senators_and_members/members
Slender Tree-fern identification - ask Stuart and he can show you how.
Please contact the people listed above. Here is an example of what could be said:
Hi, I am concerned about HVP harvesting in Turtons creek. I have heard that there are critically endangered Slender Tree-ferns and rainforest there and that HVP are not protecting them properly. Can you please tell me what you are doing to ensure that our endangered species are protected?
The more people who call up and ask these types of questions of the people who are responsible for looking after our endangered species the better chance we will have of getting some action.
More calls and emails will demonstrate that this has wide community support. Without wide community support we will struggle to get the protection needed.
Please note:
It was a bit of a rush to get this page up as quickly as possible so please excuse any errors or broken links...we will tidy things up quickly as we can.
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