#vicforests

Evidence suggests that Myrtle Beech and other rainforest plants have grown in Australia for over 70 million years. Victorian rainforests formed shortly after the continent drifted from the south pole some 50 million years ago. Toolangi forest is remnant of the super-continent, Gondwana. The name Toolangi is an aboriginal word meaning tall trees. The age of the Toolangi's oldest ecosystems are estimated to be ≥40 million years old. We need to hold on to the natural history of this forest which far exceeds the last 140 years of logging in the area. These forests are the most carbon-dense in the world. They consist of Myrtle Beech root systems that are thousands of years old and evolved 80 million years ago. Its Eucalyptus trees can be hundreds of years old, some taller than redwoods. Toolangi is home to some of the most endangered species in the world and certainly the most unique. This forest is vital to our existence and for the existence of a healthy planet. Let's stop VicForests from logging these forests. Ways you can help include: - Go to ethicalpaper.com.au - Buy 100% recycled paper products - Support groups like The Wilderness Society and Great Forest National Park. - Visit Toolangi State Forest yourself. -- #toolangi #rainforest #eucalypt #gondwana #ancientforest #wirrawilla #eucalyptusregnans #mountainash #mttanglefoot #victorianhighlands #highlands #leadbeaterspossum #environmentalism #forest #vicforests #stoplogging #ethicalpaper #saveourforest #GFNP #GFNPnow #naturalhistory #nature #australia #visitvictoria #victoria #trees #travelaustralia (at Toolangi State Forest)

A cross-section of the cool temperate Mountain Ash rainforests that are typical of the Central Highlands of Victoria. My favourite ecosystem in the world. Anyone else have a favourite ecosystem or am I the only weirdo who thinks about having a favourite ecosystem? 🌳-🌳 #ecosystem #rainforest #eucalypt #gondwana #ancientforest #eucalyptusregnans #mountainash #victorianhighlands #highlands #leadbeaterspossum #environmentalism #forest #vicforests #stoplogging #ethicalpaper #saveourforest #GFNP #GFNPnow #naturalhistory #nature #australia #visitvictoria #victoria #trees #travelaustralia (at Yarra Ranges National Park)

Great analysis, summary, and well-represented facts.

Send a message to the Victorian Environment minister: Emerald Link

Conservation volunteers have discovered logging occurring in an area of important habitat for the endangered Leadbeater’s (Fairy) Possum. “This new logging comes just days after eminent scientist, Professor David Lindenmeyer resigned from the Leadbeater’s Possum Recovery Program,” said spokesperson for the Central Highlands Action Group, Lauren Caulfield. “Professor Lindenmeyer left the program due to concerns that while the remnant forests that are home to this threatened animal continue to be logged, efforts to protect the tiny marsupial are futile.” “A new scientific report* shows that VicForests is logging in violation of the laws that are meant to protect the Leadbeater’s (Fairy) Possum.” Last Friday, the report was lodged with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, which must ensure that logging of Leadbeater’s (Fairy) Possum habitat is not occurring. “The scientific report shows that the Baillieu Coalition government is allowing logging to occur in Leadbeater’s (Fairy) Possum habitat with living, old trees – also known as Zone 1A habitat.” Local conservation groups are seeking legal advice on options to halt logging in the area. “The logging is being undertaken by the Baillieu government while a Victorian Supreme Court case determining the legality of logging in very similar forest is still underway.” “That Supreme Court case is looking at whether it is acceptable for the government to log the habitat of the Leadbeater’s (Fairy) Possum. Meanwhile, the government’s agency, VicForests, is logging here at Yellowdindi, near Toolangi.” “We expect that the outcome of the current case will affect this forest area too. As such, logging should be halted until the court proceedings are resolved.” More than half the forest area that houses this threatened marsupial was destroyed in the Black Saturday bushfires, pushing the tiny animal even closer to extinction. Conservationists have stopped logging with a tree platform preventing logging machines from further damaging the area while legal advice is obtained. [*] Report available at http://www.myenvironment.net.au/index.php/me/content/search?SearchText=Yellowdindi