[Huon Forests] Conservationists Protest the logging of World Heritage Value Forest in Weld Valley

[jenny weber]

21 May 2009
Media Release

Conservationists halt Logging in Tasmania's World Heritage Value Forest

"Conservationists have today halted logging in World Heritage Value 
forest in the Weld Valley.  Two conservationists have this morning 
attached themselves to logging machinery, in ancient forest where people 
were evicted from a protest camp two weeks ago, "  Huon Valley 
Environment Centre's Jenny Weber said.

"Logging in these ancient forests adjacent to the World Heritage 
boundary is a global tragedy.  State and Federal Governments are 
ignoring recommendations by International bodies and concerns of the 
community and destroying a globally significant ecosystem.  We are 
calling for an immediate moratorium in high conservation value forests 
and asking the Governments to address an environmentally and 
economically beneficial future for Tasmania by protecting these 
forests," Jenny Weber said.

"Tasmania's World Heritage Area needs to be extended as recognised by 
international experts to include these magnificent and irreplaceable 
forests.  Instead they are being treated with contempt, wildlife habitat 
is decimated and the trees are sent to the woodchip mill," Jenny Weber 
said.

Media Release

Local beekeeper arrested as Weld Valley logging stand by conservationist 
continues

"A conservationist was arrested in the Weld Valley today, after being 
attached to a logging machine in threatened World Heritage Value forest 
that is currently being logged.  A second conservationist remains in the 
forest attached to a logging machine tonight,"  Huon Valley Environment 
Centre's Jenny Weber said.

The conservationist arrested today is a local beekeeper, and Leatherwood 
honey producer, Tristan Lucas of Longley said: "I took the action today 
to oppose the continued destruction of Leatherwood-rich forests in 
southern Tasmania. These are a precious resource for all beekeepers, as 
around 70% of Tasmania's total honey production comes from Leatherwood. 
However this resource is  rapidly diminishing in its distribution as a 
result of logging operations."

Contact
Jenny Weber
Huon Valley Environment Centre
0427 366 929
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